Why Were Flags at Half Staff This Week in Great Falls?

Why Were Flags at Half Staff This Week in Great Falls?

As I teed up my ball for an afternoon of golf, the large flag that had just been installed at the course was waving proudly above my head.  But I also noticed that it was only at half-staff for the day.

Turning to the group I was with, I asked if anyone knew why.  Pretty much blank faces across the group.  After the round and upon arriving home, I once again hit the interwebs.

It Wasn't Because of the Wind in Great Falls This Time

In this case, it is a celebration and remembrance both.  This week across America and Montana we celebrate, honor and remember our law enforcement officers with National Police Week.

via GIPHY

Established in 1962 by an act of Congress, President John F. Kennedy also proclaimed that May 15th would be National Peace Officers Memorial Day.  That act includes having flags flown at half-staff for that day.

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Honoring Those Who Have Fallen in the Line of Duty in Great Falls

The Great Falls Police Department started in 1888 with just two officers when the town was incorporated.  Chief of Police Patrick Sweeney and Policeman John Hurly would soon be joined by 10 more officers in the next year.

Today in Great Falls, according to the GFPD, that has grown to 92 police officers, 21 emergency dispatchers, and 23 other civilian employees.  In the 136 years since it was first established, the department has lost 5 officers in the line of duty.

Those officers are:

• Shane Chadwick - End of Watch September 1994
• Segval Semingsen - End of Watch November 1935
• Frank H. Connolly - End of Watch August 1920
• Luke Curry - End of Watch November 1898
• Comodore Downing - End of Watch November 1895