Why are flags at half-staff today at the Georgia capitol?

In a tribute to the men and women who serve in law enforcement, the flags on the State Capitol building and in Carroll and Paulding Counties were ordered to be flown at half-staff following the deaths of two deputies.

"As we grieve the loss of Carroll County Investigator Taylor Bristow during a painful and difficult week for Georgia Law Enforcement, I’ve ordered flags at the State Capitol and in Carroll County to fly half-staff on Thursday, August 29, in honor of his bravery and sacrifice," tweeted Governor Kemp .

Governor Kemp emphasized the importance of recognizing service and dedication of these fallen officers in a recent post on social media. Flags also flew at half-staff late last week after the loss of a Paulding County Sheriff's deputy.

"My family and the entire State of Georgia continue to mourn the loss of Paulding County Sheriff Deputy Brandon Cunningham," Governor Brian Kemp tweeted . "As we honor his life and service, I’ve ordered flags at the State Capitol and in Paulding County to be flown at half-staff this Friday, August 23."

Honoring Taylor Jaimeson Bristow

Investigator Taylor Jaimeson Bristow, who had served with the Carroll County Sheriff's Office for six years as a deputy and investigator, passed away from injuries sustained while on duty Friday, August 23.

As a mark of respect, flags on the State Capitol building and in Carroll County will be flown at half-staff Thursday, August 29, the day of his funeral services, until sunset.

Honoring Brandon Cunningham

Deputy at Paulding County Sheriff's Office , Brandon Cunningham, was killed in the line of duty on Saturday, August 17. Deputy Cunnningham had served with the Paulding County Sheriffs Office for over four years.

In his honor, flags on the State Capitol building and in Paulding County were also ordered to be lowered to half-staff last Friday, August 23.

What does half-staff mean?

Lowering the flags to half-staff means that they are flown halfway down the flagpole, which is a traditional way of showing respect and mourning.

This serves as a reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face every day and the ultimate sacrifices they make to keep their communities safe.

By lowering the flags, the state of Georgia stands united in mourning the lost of two heroes.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Why are flags at half-staff today at the Georgia capitol?