TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS COME – GREETINGS:

WHEREAS: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Wildlife Officer Joel Lee Campora, born on July 23, 1980, in Bend, Oregon, growing up in Mena, Arkansas, was deeply loved by his family and many friends.  Joel was a dedicated and conscientious wildlife officer and member of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for the past five years, and he gave his life protecting others on May 31, 2013, serving his State in the line of duty in Scott County; and

WHEREAS: Joel Campora was the beloved son of George Campora and Lyla Jean Campora, both of Clinton; the devoted husband of Rebecca Campora of Waldron; the proud father of Dacie Jayden and Bethany Faith; the loving brother of Shiela Farmer of Clinton; and the cherished grandson of Emily Campora of Lebanon, Oregon; as well as a valued friend and respected public servant to scores of people from across the State; and

WHEREAS: After attending the Mena public schools and Henderson State University, Joel began a career in law enforcement, serving with the Mena Police Department, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and attending ALETA.  Just five years ago, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a Wildlife Officer First Class with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and a member of its Dive Team and Disaster Response Team; and

WHEREAS: Officer Campora was always the consummate professional and dedicated public servant, proud of the vital role he played in protecting our citizens and our natural heritage; and

WHEREAS: Joel was a loyal friend to those who served with him, an active participant in his community and his church, known as a man of faith and for his love of his job; and

WHEREAS: All Arkansas citizens owe Joel Campora a lasting debt of gratitude for performing his job with integrity and enthusiasm and should pay tribute to his faithful service; and

WHEREAS: Citizens of this State extend deepest sympathy to the family and loved ones of Wildlife Officer Joel Campora;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, MIKE BEEBE, Governor of the State of Arkansas, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws of the State of Arkansas, in tribute to the memory of Officer Joel Campora and as an expression of public sorrow, do hereby direct that all State flags be flown at half-staff on Friday, June 7, 2013

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 5th day of June, in the year of our Lord 2013.