Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty has ordered that all U.S. flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at the Capitol Complex, including state buildings, monuments, and grounds in proximity to and including the Minnesota State Capitol, from sunrise until sunset on Friday, September 11, 2009, in honor and remembrance of Officer Richard S. Crittenden Sr.

The following is the text of the Governor’s official proclamation:

WHEREAS: Officer Richard S. Crittenden Sr. was born in Riverside, California, on August 31, 1952; and

WHEREAS: Officer Richard S. Crittenden Sr. joined the United States Army at age 17 and served four years including a tour of duty in the Vietnam War; and

WHEREAS: Officer Richard S. Crittenden Sr. began his career in law enforcement in 1993 with the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office as a Special Deputy before becoming a Deputy Sheriff in Wabasha County in 1997. In 2000, he joined the North Saint Paul Police Department as a full-time officer; and

WHEREAS: Officer Richard S. Crittenden Sr. was extremely proud to be a police officer and considered all law enforcement officers to be his brothers and sisters. During his career, he was a member of the police department’s motor unit, and as a certified Field Training Officer, trained all new recruits; and

WHEREAS: Officer Richard S. Crittenden Sr. died a hero in the line of duty on Monday, September 7, 2009, while responding to a call for assistance; and

WHEREAS: Officer Richard S. Crittenden Sr. was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He loved spending time and sharing a good meal with family and friends, and enjoyed collecting firearms, sport and target shooting, hunting, world history, and learning; and

WHEREAS: Officer Richard S. Crittenden Sr. is survived by his wife, Christine; son and daughter-in-law, Rick Jr. and Anita; daughter and son-in-law, Stacy and Mike; grandchildren, Kole, Kiel, Meghan, M.J., Morgan, and Madelyn; mother, Mary; brothers and sisters, Frances, Wayne, Juanita, and Ralph; and other loving family and friends, including his fellow officers with the North Saint Paul Police Department and throughout the State of Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: Visitation for Officer Richard S. Crittenden Sr. will be held Thursday, September 10, 2009, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Sandberg Funeral Home in North Saint Paul, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: A funeral service for Officer Richard S. Crittenden Sr. will be held Friday, September 11, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at Aldrich Arena in Maplewood, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota recognizes Officer Richard S. Crittenden Sr. for his dedicated service to and sacrifice for the people of Minnesota with our deepest gratitude, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and community.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM PAWLENTY, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby order all U.S. and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at the Capitol Complex, including state buildings, monuments, and grounds in proximity to and including the Minnesota State Capitol from sunrise until sunset on Friday, September 11, 2009, in honor and remembrance of Officer Richard S. Crittenden Sr.