(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today ordered the Connecticut and U.S. flags to fly at half staff in honor of Stamford resident Chief Petty Officer Brian Bill, who was killed in action in Afghanistan over the weekend.

“Chief Petty Officer Bill’s family and friends are in our prayers as we grieve the loss of a true Connecticut hero,” said Governor Malloy. “The City of Stamford and the State of Connecticut will always remember the sacrifice that Chief Petty Officer Bill and the other courageous men and women in uniform have made in defense of our nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the troops who continue to serve overseas—we hope for their safe and speedy return home.”

Chief Petty Officer Bill, 31, from Stamford, served in the Navy’s East Coast SEAL team and was stationed out of Virginia Beach, Virginia. He and 29 other service members and staff were killed when their helicopter was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade in Wardak Province, Afghanistan.

Flags will remain at half staff until burial or memorial.