Governor Roy Cooper ordered all U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities to half-staff beginning immediately until sunset on Friday, February 9 in honor of Harnett County Deputy Sheriff Chris Johnson, who died in the line of duty on Tuesday.

A law enforcement veteran, he served with the Harnett County Sheriff's Office for 16 months, and previously with the Sampson County Sheriff's Office and Dunn Police Department, where he served a combined 25 years respectively.

Governor Cooper's Statement:

"I was deeply saddened to receive the news of the passing of Harnett County Deputy Sheriff Chris Johnson. Deputy Sheriff Johnson served the state and his community with distinction and honor, and my thoughts and prayers are with his friends and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are also encouraged to fly flags at half-staff for the duration of time indicated.