August 10, 2011

GOV. MALLOY ORDERS FLAGS TO HALF STAFF FOR CHIEF PETTY OFFICER BRIAN BILL

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today ordered the Connecticut and U.S. flags to fly at half staff in honor of Stamford resident Chief Petty Officer Brian Bill, who was killed in action in Afghanistan over the weekend.

"Chief Petty Officer Bill's family and friends are in our prayers as we grieve the loss of a true Connecticut hero," said Governor Malloy. "The City of Stamford and the State of Connecticut will always remember the sacrifice that Chief Petty Officer Bill and the other courageous men and women in uniform have made in defense of our nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the troops who continue to serve overseas-we hope for their safe and speedy return home."

Chief Petty Officer Bill, 31, from Stamford, served in the Navy's East Coast SEAL team and was stationed out of Virginia Beach, Virginia. He and 29 other service members and staff were killed when their helicopter was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade in Wardak Province, Afghanistan.

Flags will remain at half staff until burial or memorial.

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**CLARIFICATION ON GOVERNOR'S FLAG POLICY: Lowering the flag as a sign of honor and respect for those people who sacrificed their lives on behalf of our country is something the Governor takes very seriously. While we usually wait until the Department of Defense officially notifies our office before doing so - out of respect for the family members and loved ones of the person killed - we appreciate that this is a unique situation. Because of the mission Chief Petty Officer Bill was on, DoD has not yet sent out the official notification, but the Governor has directed flags to half-staff to honor Chief Petty Officer Bill beginning today until his burial or memorial.

For Immediate Release: August 10, 2011

Contact: Colleen Flanagan

Colleen.Flanagan@ct.gov

860-524-7308 (office)
860-770-8090 (cell)

Twitter: @GovMalloyOffice

Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy