Flags to fly half staff Monday in honor of local soldier | People

Governor Patterson has ordered that flags on state buildings be flown at half staff on Monday, August 23, to honor a local soldier killed in Afghanistan.

24-year-old Derek Farley of Nassau was killed Tuesday morning trying to disarm a bomb.

"On behalf of all citizens of the Empire State, I wish to extend our condolences to the family, friends and fellow soldiers of Staff Sergeant Derek Farley," Governor Paterson said. "This brave New York native died trying to save others. We will honor his sacrifice and we will not forget his service to our nation."

He was a 2004 graduate of Columbia High School.

It was his second tour of duty.

His first was in Iraq where staff Sergeant Farley was awarded the Purple Heart after losing his hearing in one ear from a bomb explosion in 2007.

His body arrived at Dover Air Force base in Delaware yesterday.

No word yet on funeral plans.