St. Paul, MN -In honor and remembrance of Police Officer Thomas "Tommy" Decker, Governor Mark Dayton has ordered all U.S. flags and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset on Wednesday, December 5, 2012.

Police Officer Decker was 31 years old and a six-year veteran of the Cold Spring, Minnesota Police Department. He was a native of Cold Spring, and considered working for his hometown police force his dream job. Officer Decker was conscientious, brave, and known for his gregarious sense of humor.

Officer Tommy Decker died a hero on November 29, 2012, after being shot in the line of duty. Officer Tommy Decker was an exemplary police officer, and was admired and respected by his colleagues. He received the Cold Spring Police Department's Special Commendation for heroism.

Officer Tommy Decker will be joining his sister, Susie, in his passing, and will be remembered and loved by his wife, Alicia; four children: Kelly, Jade, Justin, and Devon; parents, Rosella and John; siblings: Eddie, Larry, Terry, Billy, Shelly, and Joey; and many other relatives, friends, and community members.

A celebration of Tommy's life, with full police honors, will be held Wednesday, December 5, 2012, at Saint John's Abbey and University Church in Collegeville, Minnesota, followed by interment at Saint Nicholas Catholic Cemetery

A copy of the proclamation can be found on the Governor's website here: /governor/assets/officer_thomas_decker.pdf_tcm1055-94645.pdfhttp://mn.gov/assets/officer_thomas_decker.pdf