Gov. Kim Reynolds has ordered flags in Iowa to half-staff today (Saturday) to honor and remember a Fremont County Sheriff’s deputy who died as a result of injuries sustained in an on-duty crash earlier this week. Deputy Austin “Melvin” Richardson was killed on June 14 after colliding with the front tires of a John Deer combine that was traveling on Highway 275. Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building, on flag displays in the Capitol Complex, and on all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state from sunrise to sunset. Reynolds says, “Kevin and I join with Iowans in mourning the loss of Deputy Richardson, a dedicated public servant with a passion and legacy for helping others in times of need. Our prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow brothers and sisters in blue as they cope with this devastating loss, and we are eternally grateful for his selfless sacrifice to the citizens of Iowa.” Services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday morning at Sidney High School in Sidney. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties, and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly flags at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.
