Governor Dayton Orders Flags Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Minnesota Corrections Officer Joseph Parise

ST. PAUL, MN – In honor and remembrance of Minnesota Corrections Officer Joseph Michael Parise, Governor Mark Dayton has ordered all United States flags and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset on Tuesday, October 2, 2018.

Officer Parise, thirty-seven years of age, dedicated four years of exemplary service to the Minnesota Department of Corrections. From Forest Lake Minnesota, Parise enjoyed shooting, playing racquetball, cats, his beloved honor guard, spending time with his wife and playing with his beautiful sweet little girl.

Officer Joseph Parise died in the line of duty after experiencing a medical emergency at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Oak Park Heights on Monday, September 24, 2018. He is survived by his wife, Andrea Parise, his daughter and his baby due this Spring; father, Joseph Parise Sr., step-mother, Lucille Parise; three sisters, two brothers; grandfather, Patsy Ciccotelli (Linda); mother- and father-in-law, Mike and Nancy Dean; brother-in-law Preston (Michaela) Dean; several other family members, loving friends, and many fellow correctional officers and colleagues.

A celebration of Officer Parise’s life with public safety honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel.

Governor Dayton’s proclamation reads:

WHEREAS: Corrections Officer Joseph Michael Parise dedicated four years of exemplary service to the Minnesota Department of Corrections; and

WHEREAS: Corrections Officer Parise was an outstanding corrections officer, who was admired and respected by his colleagues, and served with dignity and pride; and

WHEREAS: Corrections Officer Parise enjoyed Parise enjoyed shooting, playing racquetball, cats, his beloved honor guard, spending time with his wife and playing with his beautiful, sweet little girl; and

WHEREAS: Correction Officer Parise died in the line of duty on Monday, September 24, 2018; and

WHEREAS: Officer Parise is survived by his wife, wife, Andrea Parise, his daughter and his baby due this Spring; father,Joseph Parise Sr., step-mother, Lucille Parise; three sisters, two brothers; grandfather, Patsy Ciccotelli (Linda); mother and father-in-law, Mike and Nancy Dean; brother-in-law Preston (Michaela) Dean; several other family members, loving friends, and many fellow correctional officers and colleagues; and

WHEREAS: A celebration of Joseph’s life, with public safety honors, will be held on Tuesday, October 2, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel; and

WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota recognizes Corrections Officer Joseph Parise for his dedicated service to, and sacrifice for, his fellow citizens with its deepest gratitude, and all thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and entire community.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, MARK DAYTON, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby order all United States flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sumise until sunset, on Tuesday, October 2, 2018, in honor and remembrance of Corrections Officer Joseph Michael Parise.