By Monica Land
JACKSON – Last week’s murder of Pearl Police Officer Michael J. Walter was a sobering reminder of the men and women in law enforcement who put their lives on the line – daily – for the betterment of the community.
In honor of the slain officer and three other Mississippians lost in the line of duty, Gov. Phil Bryant issued an Executive Order proclaiming May 7 as an official day of morning.
Those honored also includes those recently loss in the military.
“Mississippi mourns the loss of these courageous heroes,” Bryant said. “We are indebted to these men who paid the ultimate price to defend our freedoms and our safety.”
United States and Mississippi flags will be flown at half-staff at all state grounds and buildings to honor:
•Investigator Mike Walter, 37, Brandon, Miss., May 1, 2012
•Marine Master Sgt. Scott E. Pruitt, 38, Gautier, Miss., April 28 2012
•Army Sgt. 1st Class Billy A. Sutton, 42, Tupelo, Miss., Feb. 7, 2012
•Marine Lance Cpl. Edward J. Dycus, 22, Greenville, Miss., Feb. 1, 2012
Investigator Walter and two other officers were ambushed on Tuesday, May 1, while trying to serve a search warrant on a suspect in Pearl. The suspect, Carnell Gaines Jr. – wanted for sexually assaulting a 9-year-old girl – was killed in a shootout with police.
Funeral services for Walter were held Saturday in Flowood.
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