Flags at half-staff on October 18, 2017

Governor Dayton has issued a proclamation for the flags to be lowered to half-staff on October 18, 2017 in Honor of Emergency Medical Technician Marina DeSteno Challeen

ST. PAUL, MN – In honor and remembrance of Emergency Medical Technician Marina DeSteno Challeen, Governor Mark Dayton has ordered all United States flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at all state buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset, on Wednesday, October 18, 2017.

DeSteno Challeen, twenty-four years of age, was raised in Stillwater and was a graduate of Stillwater Area High School and the University of Minnesota. She died on Monday, October 9, 2017, in a tragic collision when the ambulance in which she was riding collided with a semi-truck in Brooklyn Center.

The State of Minnesota recognizes DeSteno Challeen for her dedicated service to, and sacrifice for, her fellow citizens of Minnesota, with its deepest gratitude. A celebration of her life, will be held on Wednesday, October 18, 2017, at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi, Minnesota.

At the direction of the Governor, Minnesota flies its flags at half-staff following the death of Minnesota first responders killed in the line of duty, on the day of interment.

Governor Dayton’s Proclamation

WHEREAS: Marina Gayle DeSteno Challeen, twenty-four years of age, was raised in Stillwater and was a graduate of Stillwater Area High School and the University of Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: Marina aspired to be a doctor, and she loved helping and enriching the lives of others through her work in the emergency medical services field; and

WHEREAS: Marina was an exemplary Emergency Medical Technician and was admired and respected by her colleagues; and

WHEREAS: Marina volunteered at multiple hospitals and on Habitat for Humanity projects in addition to working as an Emergency Medical Technician; and

WHEREAS: Marina died on Wednesday, October 9, 2017, in a tragic collision while on duty as an Emergency Medical Technician; and

WHEREAS: Marina is preceded in death by her mother, Deborah DeSteno; and will be remembered by father and stepmother, Dan and Linda Challeen, and sister Miranda Challeen; and many other relatives, friends, and community members; and

WHEREAS: A celebration of Marina’s life will be held on W ednesday, October 18, 2017, at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota recognizes Marina Gayle DeSteno Challeen for her dedicated service to, and sacrifice for, her fellow citizens of Minnesota, with its deepest gratitude; and

WHEREAS: The thoughts and prayers of a grateful State are with Marina’s family, friends, and entire community, as they mourn this terrible loss and celebrate Marina’s life and many contributions.

NOW, T HEREFORE, I, MARK DAYTON, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby order all United States flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at all state in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset, on W ednesday, October 18, 2017, in honor and remembrance of Marina Gayle DeSteno Challeen.