On Monday, Governor Doug Ducey ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset tomorrow, October 12, 2021, to honor Maricopa County Sheriff’s Deputy Juan Ruiz. Flags will also be lowered on Wednesday, October 13, in honor of La Paz County Sgt. Michael Rudd.
Deputy Juan Ruiz passed away after an attacked by a felony suspect last week.
La Paz County Sgt. Michael Rudd passed away after being hit by a vehicle after a pursuit on Monday.
“Arizona is heartbroken over the loss of Deputy Juan M. Ruiz,” said Ducey. “He served our state honorably for years, and his dedication to protecting others continues with the donation of his organs. He will always be remembered for his selfless sacrifice — and my deepest prayers are with Deputy Ruiz’s family and loved ones, as well as the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and the entire law enforcement community. I’ve ordered flags be lowered to half-staff in honor of his life and service.”
“Arizona deeply mourns the loss of Sgt. Michael Rudd,” said Ducey. “For years, he protected the people of La Paz County and made Arizonans’ safety a top priority. I recently honored 17 fallen law enforcement professionals at the Peace Officers Memorial, and it was a sobering reminder of the danger these heroes face every day. Despite the danger, Sgt. Rudd wore the badge and worked hard to keep our communities safe. We will never forget his bravery, and our condolences are with his family, the La Paz County Sheriff’s Office, and the law enforcement community. I’ve ordered flags be lowered to half-staff in honor of his service.”
On September 29, 2021, Governor Ducey attended the 47th Annual Arizona Peace Officers Memorial Service to honor fallen law enforcement professionals. Since then, three law enforcement professionals in Arizona have tragically died in the line of duty. Drug Enforcement Administration Group Supervisor Michael G. Garbo was killed earlier this month.