Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders orders flags at half-staff to honor fallen Stone County deputy

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas governor has taken steps to acknowledge and honor a law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has ordered U.S. and state flags to be at half-mast from Jan. 4 to 6 to honor Stone County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Justin Smith. Smith was killed in the line of duty on Jan. 2 while serving a misdemeanor warrant.

Officers gather to honor fallen Stone County Deputy Justin Smith, show support for his family

Sanders cited Smith’s wife and children in calling for the memorial. The deputy’s children include an Army veteran, a current soldier in the Air Force, and an Independence County Sheriff’s Deputy, Sanders said.

“In his service in law enforcement and in his passing in the line of duty, Deputy Smith displayed bravery, leadership, and care for his fellow Arkansans,” Sanders said.

Community remembers Stone County deputy killed in line of duty

Attorney General Tim Griffin had earlier released a statement on Smith’s death, calling it a reminder of the dangers of law enforcement.

“The death of Deputy Smith is a stark and heartbreaking reminder of the risk involved with serving as a law enforcement officer,” Griffin said. “At the time of his murder, Deputy Smith was serving a misdemeanor warrant, a fundamental responsibility of policing. This tragedy demonstrates that danger is ever present for those who wear the badge.”

Officers gather to honor fallen Stone County Deputy Justin Smith, show support for his family

Smith was shot and killed while serving a warrant at the home of 52-year-old Clinton Hefton in the 300 block of Sawmill Road in Mountain View at 4:30 p.m. Hefton is facing a charge of capital murder.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.