TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS COME – GREETINGS:
WHEREAS: Scott County Sheriff Cody Don Carpenter, born in Waldron, Arkansas, on April 26, 1972, was a dedicated and courageous Arkansas law-enforcement officer, was deeply loved by his family and many friends, and died on May 31, 2013, while serving in the line of duty in Scott County; and
WHEREAS: Cody was the beloved son of Lucille and Don Carpenter, the loving husband of Amie Carpenter, the proud father of Garren, Christian, Douglas, and Irelynn Carpenter, and the devoted brother of Kandis VanRavensway, all of Waldron, as well as a special friend to scores of people from across the region; and
WHEREAS: Sheriff Carpenter was always the consummate professional and dedicated public servant, proud of the vital role he played in protecting others in his community; and
WHEREAS: He was also a devoted friend to those who served with him; a family man who actively participated in his children’s activities; and a man of great faith volunteering in church whenever the need arose; and
WHEREAS: Sheriff Carpenter exemplified the finest traits of Arkansas’s law-enforcement community: loyalty, bravery, and a selfless devotion to duty. One of his last acts was a courageous attempt to save two individuals from flood waters that had entered their home; and
WHEREAS: All Arkansans owe him a lasting debt of gratitude for his bravery and his heroism and should pay tribute to his faithful service. Citizens of this State extend deepest sympathy to the family and loved ones of Sheriff Cody Carpenter;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, MIKE BEEBE, Governor of the State of Arkansas, by virtue of the authority vested in me by law, in tribute to the memory of Sheriff Cody Don Carpenter, and as an expression of public sorrow, do hereby direct that the State flag of Arkansas be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, June 5, 2013.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 4th day of June, in the year of our Lord 2013.