Why are flags in Colorado at halfstaff on Wednesday?
Nov 13, 2024
DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has ordered flags to fly at half-staff on Wednesday to honor a Golden police officer who was killed in the line of duty.
Polis ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sundown on the day of Officer Evan Dunn's memorial service -- Wednesday.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Officer Dunn, and my thoughts go out to his family and friends on the Golden Police Department. We also hope for a speedy recovery for the officer who was injured in this incident. Our law enforcement officers put themselves in harm's way to protect Coloradans day in and day out, and that’s exactly what Officer Dunn and his partner, Officer Bethany Grusing, were doing. We are grateful for their service and commitment to keeping Coloradans safe” said Polis.
Suspected DUI driver arrested
On Nov. 6, Dunn was killed while responding to a crash on Highway 58, just east of Washington Avenue in Golden. On that snowy night, Dunn and his police partner Bethany Grusing were hit by a suspected DUI driver.
Dunn was pronounced dead on scene and Grusing suffered serious injuries. A fundraiser has been established through the MC-1 Foundation to help support Grusing in her recovery.
Stephen Robert Geer, 43, was arrested on charges of vehicular homicide while driving under the influence, among others.
Remembering Officer Dunn
Dunn served as an Army Aviation officer and Black Hawk helicopter pilot before joining the Golden Police Department. Dunn was also an active captain in the Army National Guard.
Dunn's memorial service on Wednesday will not be open to the public, but a large turnout is expected for his procession.
The procession will transport Dunn’s body from C-470, northbound on Lucent Boulevard, to eastbound West County Line Road. Because of this, West County Line Road will be closed at about 10 a.m. from Lucent Boulevard to South Elati Street. Traffic will also be restricted around Mission Hills Church.
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Those who wish to show their support for Dunn and his family can watch the procession on West County Line Road between South Santa Fe Drive and Lucent Boulevard, or at the Golden Police Department.
There is also a growing memorial in front of the Golden Police Headquarters on 10th Street.
A Black Hawk helicopter from the Colorado Army National Guard 2-135th Aviation Regiment will conduct a flyover and land near Mission Hills Church before the service begins.
Those who would like to donate to Dunn's family can do so through the Colorado Fallen Hero Fund.
Dunn is survived by his wife, sister, and parents. In the department, Dunn is survived by 71 members of his Golden family who said they love and care for him deeply.