Here’s why Arizona state buildings are flying flags at half-staff

PHOENIX – State government buildings in Arizona are flying flags at half-staff on Monday in tribute to fallen Apache Junction Police Officer Gabriel Facio.

Gov. Katie Hobbs ordered flags lowered until sunset at state buildings and encouraged individuals, businesses and other organizations to follow suit.

“I’m devastated by Officer Facio’s passing,” Hobbs said in a press release. “My heart goes out to his family, the Apache Junction Police Department and fellow law enforcement.”

What happened to officer who is being honored with flags at half-staff?

Facio was shot in the face while responding to a call last Monday and succumbed to his injuries on Sunday.

Facio, a three-year veteran of the department, is survived by his wife, two children and a grandchild.

“Everything he did was because he wanted to give service to this community, and that’s what he did,” Apache Junction Police Chief Michael Pooley told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s The Mike Broomhead Show on Monday. “He lost his life doing that and gave everything for this community.”

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