North Carolina Lowers Flags to Honor Fallen Trooper

Master Trooper Steven J. Perry died in the line of duty on March 1

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Governor Josh Stein has ordered all U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on March 11 in honor of Durham County Master Trooper Steven J. Perry, who died in the line of duty on March 1. Trooper Perry served Durham County for nearly 7 years and his services will be held in Cary on Wednesday, March 11.

Why it matters

The death of a state trooper in the line of duty is a tragic event that deeply impacts the law enforcement community and the broader public. Lowering flags to half-staff is a solemn tradition that honors the sacrifice of those who have given their lives while serving and protecting their communities.

The details

Trooper Perry was a member of the 148th Basic Patrol School and had served Durham County for nearly 7 years before his death. The cause of the traffic crash that led to his death is not specified in the report.

  • Flags will be lowered to half-staff on March 11, 2026 from sunrise to sunset.
  • Trooper Perry's services will be held in Cary on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

The players

Governor Josh Stein

The governor of North Carolina who ordered the flags to be lowered to half-staff.

Master Trooper Steven J. Perry

A North Carolina state trooper who died in the line of duty on March 1, 2026 after serving Durham County for nearly 7 years.

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The takeaway

The lowering of flags to honor a fallen state trooper is a solemn tradition that recognizes the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers to keep their communities safe. This event serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges faced by those who choose to serve in this critical role.