St. Paul- In honor and remembrance of Police Officer Josh Lynaugh, Governor Mark Dayton has ordered all U.S. flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota from sunrise until sunset, on Friday, February 22, 2013. 

Police Officer Josh Lynaugh was 30 years old and a five-year veteran of the Saint Paul Police Department. Officer Lynaugh always wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father, retired Saint Paul Police Sergeant Tim Lynaugh, and graduated from the Saint Paul Policy Academy in 2007.

Officer Josh Lynaugh died a hero on Saturday, February 16, 2013, from complications of a heart attack he suffered following a foot pursuit of a suspect. Officer Josh Lynaugh was an exemplary police officer, and was admired and respected by his colleagues. He twice received the Saint Paul Police Department's Life Saving Award, sixteen commendations, including numerous letters of appreciation, and the Department's Medal of Commendation in 2011.

Officer Josh Lynaugh joins his grandfather, Philip, in his passing, and will be remembered by his parents, Tim and Lori; siblings, Brian and Melissa; grandparents; and many other relatives, friends, and community members.

A celebration of Josh's life, with full police honors, will be held on Friday, February 22, 2013, at the Cathedral of Saint Paul in Saint Paul, Minnesota, followed by interment at Lakeview Cemetery in Stillwater.

/governor/assets/Flags-Officer_Josh_Lynaugh.pdf_tcm1055-93666.pdfA copy of the Governor's proclamation can be downloaded here.