LANSING, MI. (LMTV) – All U.S. and Michigan flags on public buildings and grounds across the state will be lowered to half-staff on Friday, August 7, 2020.
Governor Whitmer has ordered U.S. & Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings & grounds across the state of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff to honor the life & service of Trooper Caleb Starr.
Tpr. Caleb Starr of the Lakeview Post, who was struck by a drunk driver while on-duty on July 10, 2020 and died July 31.
Trooper Starr joined the MSP in September of 2018, as a member of the 135th Trooper Recruit School. Trooper Starr was 33 years old. He is survived by his wife, Rachael, who is a civilian member of the MSP, and their two young daughters.
“The Michigan State Police mourns the loss of not just a trooper, but a husband, father and dedicated public servant who had so much left to give in a life that was cut far too short,” said Col. Joe Gasper, director of the MSP.
The July 10th crash occurred shortly before 10 p.m. in Boston Township in Ionia County. Trooper Starr was westbound on Grand River Avenue in his patrol vehicle when a vehicle traveling east, driven by a 28-year woman from Utah, crossed the centerline. He was flown by medical helicopter to Spectrum Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, where he was being treated until he passed away earlier on July 31.
To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.
