Lowered flags to honor slain officers

Gov. Chris Gregoire has directed that Washington state and U.S. flags at all Washington state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff in memory of Lakewood Police Officer Ronald Owens, a former member of the Washington State Patrol, and his three colleagues, Officer Greg Richards, Officer Tina Griswold and Sgt. Mark Renninger, all of whom were killed on Sunday.

Officer Owens served with the Washington State Patrol from 1997 to 2004.

Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business on Tuesday, Dec. 8, or first thing Wednesday morning, Dec. 9.

Other government entities, citizens and businesses are encouraged to join this recognition.