Governor Asa Hutchinson has ordered the flag of the State of Arkansas to be lowered to half-staff in tribute to the memory of Lieutenant Patrick Weatherford, a Newport Police Officer, who was killed in the line of duty while he was at a traffic stop with another officer on Monday, June 12, 2017. He passed away at the hospital the same night. The flag will be flown at half-staff from June 13, 2017 to the day of interment. The full proclamation can be found HERE.

Governor Hutchinson issued the following statement earlier Tuesday on the passing of Lieutenant Weatherford:

“I was saddened to hear that Lt. Patrick Weatherford was shot and killed in the line of duty yesterday afternoon. Lt. Weatherford’s 15-year career at the Newport Police Department demonstrates his bravery, selflessness and commitment to serving his community. He will be remembered for his courage and dedication to serve and protect the people in and around the Newport area. We are forever indebted to men and women like Lt. Weatherford, who put their lives on the line every day to keep others safe. Our hearts go out to his family, the law enforcement community and the Newport Police Department during this difficult time.”

Lieutenant Weatherford served on the Newport Police Department for 15 years, and in 2016, he was awarded the Jackson County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award. His skills, courage, and inner strength enabled him to be one of three Newport law enforcement officers to graduate from the FBI National Academy Program. Lieutenant Weatherford was consistently looking for ways to better serve the public and was seeking a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.