Governor Walz Orders Flags Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Flight Nurse Debra K. Schott

ST. PAUL, MN – In honor and remembrance of Flight Nurse Debra K. Schott, Governor Tim Walz 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 Wednesday, July 3, 2019.

Flight Nurse Schott died while on duty in a helicopter crash in Brainerd, MN. She spent the last fifteen years as a Critical Care Nurse for North Memorial Health Care, and leaves behind a husband, two children, two grandchildren and many other friends and family.

“Flight Nurse Schott was an outstanding Nurse who was respected and admired by her colleagues and served the public with dignity and pride as a Flight Nurse,” reads the proclamation issued by Governor Walz. “The State of Minnesota recognizes Flight Nurse Schott for her dedicated services to, and sacrifice for, her fellow citizens with its deepest gratitude, and all thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and entire community.

At the direction of the Governor, Minnesota flies its flags at half-staff following the death of Minnesota first responders fallen in the line of duty, on the day of interment.

The proclamation from Governor Walz reads as follows:

WHEREAS: Registered Nurse Debra K. Schott dedicated the majority of her time providing emergency medical care to residents of Minnesota. Flight Nurse Schott spent the last 15 years working as a Critical Care Nurse for North Memorial Health Care; and

WHEREAS: Flight Nurse Schott was an outstanding Nurse who was respected and admired by her colleagues and served the public with dignity and pride as a Flight Nurse; and

WHEREAS: Flight Nurse Schott was passionate about traveling, working in her garden, and scenic photography. She was also passionate about emergency care, starting as a volunteer EMT while she worked towards her degree in nursing; and

WHEREAS: North Memorial Health Care Flight Nurse Debra Schott died while on duty on Friday, June 28th; and

WHEREAS: Flight Nurse Schott is survived by her husband Gary L. Schott; daughter Kristie Collins; son Craig Hatlestad; two grandchildren, Hailee Collins and Bryce Hatlestad; mother Norma Olson; Brother Timothy Olson; and many other friends and family. She was preceded in death by her father Robert Olson and son Jeffrey Hatlestad.

WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota recognizes Flight Nurse Schott for her dedicated services to, and sacrifice for, her fellow citizens with its deepest gratitude, and all thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and entire community.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM WALZ, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby order all United States flags and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all State and Federal buildings in Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset, on Wednesday, July 3, in honor and remembrance of Flight Nurse Debra K. Schott.