Flags across the state will fly at half staff Wednesday to honor the service of Master Patrolman Jefferson “Jeff” Taylor, who served as a police officer for the Riverside Police Department.

On June 3rd, Master Patrolman Taylor died from injuries suffered when he was struck by lightning on May 23rd, while on duty in Joplin. Taylor was among a 12-member contingent of police, firefighters, and public works staff members from the city of Riverside, who responded to the Joplin tornado disaster.

Master Patrolman Taylor began his career in law enforcement in 2001 with the Webb City Police Department. He graduated from the Missouri Southern Law Enforcement Academy in May 2001.

Governor Jay Nixon has ordered flags to be lowered from sunrise to sunset Wednesday.