Governor orders flags lowered to honor fallen deputy.

LANSING — Gov. Rick Snyder today ordered U.S. flags within the state Capitol complex and on all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff on Friday, Dec. 12 in honor of former Ingham County Sheriff’s Deputy Grant William Whitaker, who died Sunday.

Whitaker, 25, of Stockbridge, died in the line of duty as the result of injuries sustained from a car crash during a high-speed pursuit.

“Deputy Whitaker was a brave young man lost much too soon. He risked his life daily to protect the lives of Michiganders across our state,” said Snyder. “I thank Grant for his commitment to public service and offer my sincere condolences to his family, friends and fellow officers.”

Whitaker served as deputy in the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office for the past 18 months. He previously served with the Stockbridge Police Department and the Waterloo Township Police. He was a graduate of Stockbridge High School.

Public visitation is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 11 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. as well as the morning of Dec. 12 from 10-11 at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Chelsea. A funeral Mass begins at 11 a.m.

This flag order is in accordance with Executive Order 2013-10. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff. Flags should be returned to full-staff on Saturday, Dec. 13.

When flown at half-staff or half-mast, the U. S. flag should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff or half-mast position. The flag should again be raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.