Flags Lowered to Honor Fallen St. Louis Police Officer

Governor orders flags at half-staff for Officer Gregory Triplett's funeral

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:10am

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A photorealistic oil painting in the style of Edward Hopper, depicting a lone police officer's hat resting on a wooden desk in a dimly lit room, with warm sunlight streaming in through a window and casting deep shadows across the scene, creating a melancholic and reflective mood.The solemn lowering of flags pays tribute to the ultimate sacrifice made by a dedicated St. Louis police officer.O'Fallon Today

Governor Mike Kehoe has ordered U.S. and Missouri flags to be flown at half-staff at government buildings, police stations, and other facilities across the state on Monday, April 13, 2026, to honor St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Officer Gregory T. Triplett, who died in the line of duty on April 1, 2026 after suffering a medical emergency during a department training exercise.

Why it matters

Officer Triplett's death is a tragic loss for the St. Louis community he served for over 30 years. Lowering flags to half-staff is a solemn tradition to pay respect to fallen officers and recognize the sacrifices made by law enforcement in protecting their communities.

The details

Officer Triplett graduated from O'Fallon Technical Center in 1986 and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Training Academy in 1994. He was recognized twice with a department Award of Excellence for his valuable police work. The flags will be lowered on the day of his funeral.

  • Officer Triplett died in the line of duty on April 1, 2026.
  • Flags will be flown at half-staff on Monday, April 13, 2026, from sunrise to sunset.

The players

Governor Mike Kehoe

The Governor of Missouri who ordered the flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Officer Triplett.

Officer Gregory T. Triplett

A 30-year veteran of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department who died in the line of duty on April 1, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“'Officer Gregory Triplett was a proud son of the City of St. Louis, who dedicated his life to serving in the community he grew up in and policing among the neighborhoods he loved. For more than three decades, he wore the SLMPD badge with honor, protecting his neighbors and answering a calling greater than himself. Claudia and I are grateful for his service and are keeping his loved ones and the entire SLMPD family in our prayers during this difficult time.'”

— Governor Mike Kehoe

The takeaway

Officer Triplett's death is a somber reminder of the risks and sacrifices police officers make to keep their communities safe. His three decades of dedicated service to the St. Louis area will be honored through the lowering of flags across Missouri on the day of his funeral.