Governor Walz Orders Flags Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Pilot Timothy McDonald
ST. PAUL, MN – In honor and remembrance of Pilot Timothy McDonald, Governor Tim Walz has ordered all United States flags and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset on Tuesday, July 9, 2019.
Pilot McDonald died while on duty in a helicopter crash in Brainerd, MN. He worked as a pilot for North Memorial Health Air Care for the past four years, following his service in the United States Army as an aviation Warrant Officer and as a paramedic for North Memorial. He leaves behind a wife, four children, and his parents.
“Pilot McDonald was an outstanding pilot who was respected and admired by his colleagues and served the public with dignity and pride,” reads the proclamation issued by Governor Walz. “The State of Minnesota recognizes Pilot Tim McDonald for his dedicated services to, and sacrifice for, his fellow citizens with its deepest gratitude, and all thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and entire community.
At the direction of the Governor, Minnesota flies its flags at half-staff following the death of Minnesota first responders fallen in the line of duty, on the day of interment.
Governor Walz proclamation reads as follows:
WHEREAS: Pilot Timothy McDonald dedicated his career providing emergency medical care to residents of Minnesota. Timothy spent the last four years working as a Helicopter Pilot for North Memorial Health Air Care; and
WHEREAS: Pilot McDonald was an outstanding pilot who was respected and admired by his colleagues and served the public with dignity and pride; and
WHEREAS: Pilot McDonald was passionate about hockey, especially mentoring and coaching youth hockey teams, church activities, flying, and serving others, having enlisted in the United States Army as an aviation Warrant Officer and working as a paramedic prior to joining North Memorial; and
WHEREAS: North Memorial Health Care Pilot Tim McDonald died in the line of duty on Friday, June 28th; and
WHEREAS: Pilot McDonald is survived by his wife Crystal McDonald; sons Timothy, Simeon, and Ezekiel; daughter Hayden; and parents Dean and Linda McDonald; and
WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota recognizes Pilot Tim McDonald for his dedicated services 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, TIM WALZ, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby order all United States flags and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all State and Federal buildings in Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset, on Tuesday, July 9, in honor and remembrance of Pilot Tim McDonald.