County of Duplin issued the following announcement on Aug. 18.
Governor Roy Cooper has ordered all United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff until sunset Thursday, August 19, 2021, in honor of Mount Gilead Police Officer Craig Cloninger who passed away over the weekend while responding to a house fire. His career in law enforcement began in 2002 with the Richmond County Sheriff's Office and later with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office where he served as a school resource officer at East Montgomery High School. He most recently served as a reserve officer for the Mount Gilead Police Department. Services for Officer Cloninger will be held on Thursday, August 19, 2021, at Laurel Hill Baptist Church in Candor, North Carolina.
Statement from Governor Roy Cooper:
"Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their service. Our prayers are with the family and community of Officer Cloninger as we mourn his loss."
As a show of respect, individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties, and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the duration of time indicated. Please remember, all subordinate flags flown alongside the American flag should also be flown at half-staff and positioned lower than the American flag.
Original source can be found here.
Source: County of Duplin