Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Police Officer William Mathews
Governor Dayton Orders Flags Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Police Officer William Mathews
ST. PAUL, MN – In honor and remembrance of Police Officer William Mathews, Governor Mark Dayton has ordered all United States 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 Thursday, September 14, 2017.
Police Officer Mathews was 47-years-old and a seven-year veteran of the Wayzata, Minnesota Police Department. Officer Mathews was a native of Pine Island, Minnesota. Prior to becoming a licensed Peace Officer, Officer Mathews served with both the Winona Police Department as a Reserve Officer and the Rochester Police Department as an intern. He began his career as a Licensed Peace Officer in 1998 with the Zumbrota Police Department, also working part-time with the Olmstead County and Goodhue County Sheriff’s Offices.
Officer Mathews died on Friday, September 8, 2017, after being struck by car, while in the line of duty. The State of Minnesota recognizes Officer William Mathews for his dedicated service to, and sacrifice for, his fellow Minnesotans with its deepest gratitude.
A celebration of William’s life, with full police honors, will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2017, at Wayzata Free Church in Plymouth, Minnesota, followed by interment at Summit Park Cemetery. Governor Dayton will attend the service for Officer Mathews.
At the direction of the Governor, Minnesota flies its flags at half-staff following the death of Minnesota police officers killed in the line of duty, on the day of interment.
The Governor’s proclamation reads as follows:
WHEREAS: Police Officer William “Bill” Mathews was born on May 25, 1970; and
WHEREAS: Officer Mathews graduated from Pine Island High School and went on to attend Rochester Community College, he graduated from Winona State University where he earned his degree in Law Enforcement; and
WHEREAS: Prior to becoming a licensed Peace Officer, Officer Mathews served with both the Winona Police Department as a Reserve Officer and the Rochester Police Department as an intern; and
WHEREAS: He began his career as a Licensed Peace Officer in 1998 with the Zumbrota Police Department, also working part-time with the Olmstead County and Goodhue County Sheriff’s Offices; and
WHEREAS: Officer Mathews began his career with Wayzata Police Department in October 2008, where he was a Firearms Instructor, a Field Training Officer, and a Reserve Coordinator; and
WHEREAS: Officer Mathews was an exemplary police officer, who was admired and respected by his colleagues, and served with dignity and pride; and
WHEREAS: Officer Mathews was a family man-a devoted father to son, Wyatt and a loving husband to his wife, Shawn; and
WHEREAS: Officer Mathews died after being fatally struck by a vehicle in the line of duty on Friday, September 8, 2017; and
WHEREAS: Officer Mathews is preceded in death by his mother,Jill, and his father-in-law, Robert, and will be remembered and loved by his wife, Shawn; son, Wyatt; father, Robert and mother-in-law, Sandra; brother, Daniel (Nikki), children; Christopher, Ryan and Sara; sister-in-law, Beth (Rory), children, Joe, Christa and Dave; sister-in-law, (Scott), children, Annika, Caden and Bryce; brother-in-law, Craig (Casie), children, Elsie and Rylan; and many other relatives, friends, and community members; and
WHEREAS: A celebration of William’s life, with full police honors, will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2017, at Wayzata Free Church in Plymouth, Minnesota, followed by interment at Summit Park Cemetery; and
WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota recognizes Officer William Mathews for his dedicated service to, and sacrifice for, his fellow citizens with its deepest gratitude, and all thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and entire community.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, MARK DAYTON, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby order all United States 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 Thursday, September 14, 2017, in honor and remembrance of Officer William Mathews.