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Hickenlooper orders flags lowered in memory of slain deputy

Gov. John Hickenlooper ordered flags be lowered to half-staff Monday in memory of Mesa County Sheriff’s Deputy Derek Geer, who was wounded in the line of duty.

Flags in Colorado will be lowered to half-staff Monday in memory of a fallen Mesa County deputy sheriff.

Deputy Sheriff Derek Geer, 40, was critically wounded Feb. 8 while attempting to take a suspect into custody. He died Wednesday night after being taken off life support.

The suspect was identified as 17-year-old Austin Patrick Holzer of Grand Junction.

Gov. John Hickenlooper ordered flags be lowered Monday on all public buildings statewide. Flags should be lowered from sunrise to sunset.

“He was kept on life support to provide one last selfless act of service by donating his organs,” a news release from the governor’s office stated.

Geer, a Navy veteran, joined the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office in 2001. His assignments included work in the Court Services Division, Civil Unit and Patrol Division.

He was awarded the Lifesaving Medal in 2012 for reviving a heart attack victim.

He is survived by his wife and two children, ages 13 and 11.

Herald Staff



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