By order of the Governor of the State of Missouri, U.S. and Missouri flags at all government buildings in Jackson County will be flown at half-staff on Friday September 24, 2021, from sunrise until sunset in honor of Independence Police Officer Blaize Madrid-Evans.
State government departments are responsible for distributing this information throughout your department for compliance with this order. You can find the proclamation from the Governor here.
Mark Hill
Director, OA FMDC
WHEREAS, Officer Blaize A. Madrid-Evans began his career with the Independence Police Department when he entered the Kansas City Regional Police Academy on January 4, 2021, and graduated on July 8, 2021; and
WHEREAS, after receiving his Missouri Peace Officer license on July 8, 2021, Officer Madrid-Evans was commissioned by the Independence Police Department and entered the department's Field Training Officer program and was continuing to undergo training; and
WHEREAS, on September 15, 2021, Officer Madrid-Evans was on duty with the Independence Police Department when he was dispatched to a residence for a call for service and was shot by a suspect and mortally wounded; and
WHEREAS, during his brief tenure with the Independence Police Department, Officer Madrid-Evans served honorably and demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting others, even if it meant putting his own life at risk; and
WHEREAS, law enforcement officers courageously and unselfishly strive to ensure the safety and well-being of their fellow citizens; and WHEREAS, the people of the State of Missouri are thankful for the brave individuals in law enforcement who consider the welfare of others a personal responsibility and work tirelessly to protect the lives and the property of their fellow citizens.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Michael L. Parson, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI, as a mark of respect for the death of
OFFICER BLAIZE A. MADRID-EVANS
and for his bravery and service to the Independence Police Department do hereby order that the flag of the United States and the flag of Missouri shall be flown at half-staff at all government buildings in the County of Jackson, Missouri, for one full day on September 24, 2021, from sunrise to sunset. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Missouri, in the City of Jefferson, this 23rd day of September, 2021