Gov. Terry Branstad orders flags to fly at half-staff from Noon on Friday until 8 a.m. on Monday in honor of Sergeant Eric Stein

State of Iowa Seal

(DES MOINES) – Gov. Terry E. Branstad has ordered all flags in Iowa be flown at half-staff from Noon on Friday, April 8, 2011, until 8 a.m. on Monday, April 11, 2011 in honor of Sergeant Eric Stein, who was killed in the line of duty serving the Keokuk County Sheriff Department on Monday, April 4, 2011 in rural Keokuk County.

The governor’s directive applies to all U.S. and state flags under control of the State of Iowa.

Flags will be at half-staff on the state Capitol building and on flag displays in the Capitol complex, and upon all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

Additionally, Gov. Branstad will be signing a proclamation declaring Sergeant Stein a hero of the state of Iowa.

Sargent Stein, 39, from What Cheer, Iowa, will be laid to rest Saturday, April 9, 2011.

For more information please visit www.governor.iowa.gov.