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Governor orders flags at half-staff for Missouri deputy killed in flooding

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Gov. Mike Parson has ordered the flags to be flown at half-staff at all Missouri government buildings Thursday to honor a southwest Missouri sheriff’s deputy who drowned during flooding.

Thirty-five-year-old Greene County Deputy Aaron Roberts’ patrol car was swept off a roadway Friday night.

Roberts had just returned to service following a 911 hang-up call Friday night when he radioed that his car had been washed off the road into the Pomme de Terre River in Fair Grove. Sheriff Jim Arnott says Roberts’ body was found inside the car a short time later.

Services for Roberts are scheduled for Thursday in Springfield.

He had worked for the Greene County Sheriff’s Office for about a year. He is survived by a wife and child.

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FAIR GROVE, Mo. (AP) — A southwest Missouri group has given $25,000 to the family of a sheriff’s deputy who died when his patrol car was swept away by floodwaters.

The Greene County 100 Club gave a $25,000 check over the weekend to the widow of 35-year-old Greene County Deputy Aaron Paul Roberts. He was killed Friday night when his car was washed into the Pomme de Terre River in Fair Grove.

Separate fundraising efforts are also underway. But 100 Club chairman, Bob Cirtin, says the group wanted to do something to provide for the immediate needs of Roberts’ wife and daughter. Cirtin is also Green County’s presiding commissioner.

The club relies on donations from individuals and corporate partners.

Funeral services are planned for Thursday. They’re also being donated.

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