Why Minnesota Flags Were Lowered
In honor of Deputy Fire Marshal Shawn Johnson.
When the Minnesota Half-Staff Order Began and Ended
Use the exact end boundary above. A flag may return to full-staff at sunset, noon, a stated clock time, or another named event. If the end is not confirmed, open the source before acting.
Where the Minnesota Half-Staff Order Applied
Minnesota statewide as specified in the order
- Facilities
- State
- U.S. flag
- Affected
- State flag
- Affected
- Private display
- Advisory
What This Half-Staff Order Means for Flag Owners
Follow the Locations Named in This Order
An order can cover federal property, all state facilities, one building, or another named place. Do not expand a limited order beyond the stored scope.
Return Flags to Full-Staff at the Stated Time
Use the end date and boundary above. Before raising the flag, confirm that a newer federal or state half-staff order has not taken effect.
Check for a Newer Half-Staff Order
This detail page preserves one directive. It does not make an old order current, so use today’s status page for the latest operational answer.
Official Source and Evidence for This Half-Staff Order
Governor Tim Walz today ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to fly at half‑staff at all state buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise on Wednesday, March 18, to sunset on Thursday, March 19, in honor and remembrance of Deputy Fire Marshal Shawn Johnson of the Minnetonka Fire Department, who passed away on March 5, 2026, after a two‑year battle with cancer. “Deputy Fire Marshal Shawn Johnson dedicated his life to protecting others and strengthening the fire service across Minnesota,” said Governor Walz. “Through two decades of service, he mentored firefighters, safeguarded communities, and built lasting relationships grounded in trust and professionalism. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, the Minnetonka Fire Department, and the many colleagues and friends whose lives he touched.” Johnson joined the Minnetonka Fire Department in March 2006 as a Paid‑on‑Call Firefighter. During his time with the department, he served as a lieutenant and training captain before joining the department full‑time in 2016 as a fire inspector in the Fire and Life Safety Division. In 2023, he was promoted to Deputy Fire Marshal. In addition to his service in Minnetonka, Johnson supported firefighters statewide as a testing evaluator with the Minnesota Fire Service Certification Board. A nationally certified Fire Investigator, he served as Vice President of the Minnesota Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators and was recognized as Minnesota Fire Investigator of the Year in 2020. He also served for more than a decade with the Hennepin County Fire Investigation Team in several leadership roles. Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to join in lowering their flags to honor Deputy Fire Marshal Johnson’s life and legacy. Flags are currently lowered in honor of Sergeant First Class Nicole M. Amor and will remain at half‑staff until sunset on the day of her interment. The Governor’s proclamation can be found here. Flags at Half‑Staff In keeping with appropriate flag etiquette and U.S. Code, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz may order the state flag to be flown at half‑staff under very limited circumstances. He may also order the national flag to be flown at half‑staff on state property only. A state flag on state property is required by law to be flown at half‑staff if the national flag is flown at half‑staff.
The linked government page remains the authoritative version.
Minnesota Half-Staff Order Questions
Is the Honoring Deputy Fire Marshal Shawn Johnson order still active?
This record is marked ended. Its stored effective period begins March 18, 2026 and ends March 19, 2026. Check the current status page before changing a flag.
Does this Minnesota half-staff order apply to homes and businesses?
Only if the notice says so. Government orders usually direct named public facilities and may separately invite private citizens, businesses, and organizations to participate. Check “Private display” in the scope above and read the source when it is not stated.
Which flags and locations did this order cover?
Use the scope cards above. They separate the facility type, geographic area, U.S. flag, state flag, and private-display guidance retained from the notice.
Where can I verify this half-staff order?
Use the official-source link on this page. The government notice remains authoritative if it differs from this normalized record.