City flags have been flying at half-staff since Monday, July 23 in honor of the victims of the tragedy in Aurora, Colorado.  Flags will remain at half-staff until Sunset, Saturday July 28, 2012 in honor of United States Army Sergeant Michael E. Ristau of Rockford, Illinois.

Sergeant Risteau died July 13, 2012 in Qalat, Zabul province, Afghanistan, from wounds caused by an improvided explosive device.  He was serving in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sergeant Risteau was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.