North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies in the state to fly the U-S and North Dakota flags at half-staff in honor of an 18-year veteran of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office who was killed during a police chase on Wednesday.
Burgum encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses.
Authorities say 53-year-old Paul Martin of Beulah died when an SUV hit a patrol vehicle near Hazen, pushing it into Martin.
The SUV was driven by 42-year-old Ian Cramer of Bismarck, son of North Dakota Sen. Kevin Cramer. The senator says Ian suffers from serious mental disorders and sped off in the family SUV while the senator’s wife was taking him to a Bismarck emergency room.
Burgum said: “Words cannot express the depths of our gratitude for Deputy Martin’s ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.”
Sen. John Hoeven said Wednesday’s events “are a stark reminder of the heroic actions of our law enforcement officials each and every day.”
Congressman Kelly Armstrong said: “Law enforcement officers dedicate their lives to protecting their fellow citizens and communities, and we are heartbroken by this tragic loss.”
Mercer County Sheriff Terry Ternes said: ”Our wound is raw, and our hearts are broken.”
The State Patrol says Martin is survived by a wife and three children.
Ian Cramer faces four felony charges of manslaughter, fleeing a peace officer, preventing arrest and reckless endangerment… and one misdemeanor charge of driving under suspension.
His initial court appearance is scheduled Friday afternoon in Mercer County.
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(2021 Photo: Mercer County Sheriff’s Office)