*Missouri Governor ? Michael L. Parson*

Office of Communications

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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

December 9, 2021

*Governor Parson Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of St. Louis County Police Detective Antonio Valentine?*

*(JEFFERSON CITY, MO)* ??Today, Governor Mike Parson ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at all government buildings in St. Louis County on Friday, December 10, 2021, from sunrise to sunset in honor of St. Louis County Police Department Detective Antonio A. Valentine.?

On December 1, Detective Valentine was?on duty with the St. Louis County Police Department?s Bureau of Drug Enforcement when he was fatally injured in a motor vehicle collision with a vehicle refusing to stop for other officers. ?

?Detective Antonio Valentine devoted his life to public service and selflessly taking on risks to protect others in Missouri and around the world,??*Governor Parson*?said. ?During more than two decades in the military, he deployed to active combat missions in Iraq and Kyrgyzstan. As a St. Louis County Police officer, he fought against illegal drugs and violent criminals to strengthen and stabilize Missouri communities. His death is a reminder of the debt we owe our law enforcement officers who courageously serve so others can live safer lives.?? ? ??

Detective Valentine, 42, had served as a St. Louis County Police officer since 2007 after briefly working with the Cool Valley Police Department following graduation from the Eastern Missouri Law Enforcement Training Institute.

Detective?Valentine also served in the United States military, first as an active duty member of the U.S. Army from July 1999 to February 2000, then in the U.S. Army National Guard, where he achieved the rank of sergeant, and then as a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, until his retirement as a technical sergeant in February 2021. During his military service, Detective?Valentine courageously deployed to active combat missions in Iraq and Kyrgyzstan.

The flags will be held at half-staff on the day Detective Valentine is laid to rest. To view the proclamation, click here [ [link removed] ].?

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*Contact: Kelli R. Jones*

Communications Director

Work:? 573-751-0765

Mobile: 573-508-9072

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.governor.mo.gov

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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Office of Governor Michael L. Parson ? PO Box 720?? Jefferson City, MO 65102 ? (573) 751-3222 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]