WHEREAS, Officer Franklin was twenty-three years old, and a loving and devoted father of a young son, Tyron, called "T.J."; and

WHEREAS, Officer Franklin fulfilled his dream to become a police officer, and followed the example of his father, who protected the people of Paterson in a different public safety service as a fire department Captain; and

WHEREAS, Officer Franklin graduated from the Police Academy in April 2006, and served the community as a Paterson Police Officer in the Patrol Division; and

WHEREAS, Officer Franklin quickly became known among his fellow officers for his warm and friendly personality, and cultivated many close friendships among his colleagues during his time on the force; and

WHEREAS, while off-duty, Officer Franklin struggled with an armed robber, and tragically lost his life after being shot in the course of the robbery; and

WHEREAS, Officer Franklin's selfless devotion to public service and the protection of others makes him a hero and a true role model for all New Jerseyans and, therefore, it is appropriate and fitting for the State where he was raised and where he served so proudly as a peace officer to recognize his true commitment to the welfare and safety of others, to mark his untimely passing, to remember his family as they mourn their tragic loss, and to honor his memory;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JON S. CORZINE, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:

1. The flag of the United States of America and the flag of New Jersey shall be flown at half-staff at all State departments, offices, agencies and instrumentalities during the appropriate hours on February 2, 2007, in recognition of the life and in mourning of the passing of Police Officer Tyron Franklin.

2. This Order shall take effect immediately.

GIVEN, under my hand and seal this 31st day
of January, Two Thousand and Seven, and of
the Independence of the United States, the
Two Hundred and Thirty-First.

/s/ Jon S. Corzine

Governor

[seal] 

Attest:

/s/ Kenneth H. Zimmerman