Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper ordered flags be lowered to half-staff on Monday, Feb. 15, on all public buildings statewide in memory of Mesa County Deputy Sheriff Derek Geer. Flags should be lowered from sunrise to sunset.

 

Deputy Geer was critically wounded while attempting to stop a man with a gun in eastern Grand Junction on Monday, Feb. 8, 2016. It was determined that Deputy Geer would not recover from his injuries and he was kept on life support to provide one last selfless act of service by donating his organs. On late Wednesday, Feb. 10, Deputy Geer passed away as life support was removed.

 

Deputy Geer, a US 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).    

 

Funeral arrangements are scheduled for Monday, Feb. 15 at 1 p.m. at the Canyon View Vineyard Church, located at 736 24 1/2 Road. Interment will follow at the Orchard Mesa Municipal Cemetery at 2620 Legacy Way. The public is welcome.