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LANSING — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the state of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff today to honor the life and service of 33-year-old Michigan State Police Trooper Caleb Starr, who passed away after being struck by a drunk driver while on-duty.

“Trooper Caleb Starr’s passing is a devastating loss for the Michigan State Police and the entire state of Michigan,” Whitmer said in a news release. “He embodied the leadership and record of service that we look for in great public servants. I want to offer my sincere condolences to his wife, Rachael, and their two young daughters. “

Starr joined the Michigan State Police in September 2018 as a member of the 135th Trooper Recruit School.

The crash occurred in Boston Township in Ionia County shortly before 10 p.m. on July 10. Trooper Starr was westbound on Grand River Avenue in his patrol vehicle when a vehicle traveling east, driven by a 28-year-old woman from Utah, crossed the centerline, officials said in the press release. He was flown by medical helicopter to Spectrum Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, where he was being treated until he passed away on July 31. Charges are pending against the female driver, the release states.

Starr is survived by his wife, Rachael, who is a civilian member of the MSP, and their two young daughters.

The state of Michigan “recognizes the duty, honor and selfless service of Trooper Caleb Starr by lowering flags to half-staff,” the release states. “Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff”

To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.

Flags should be returned to full-staff on Friday, officials said.