Honoring Fallen Wisconsin Firefighters
Flags at Half-Staff for Wisconsin Firefighters
As previously announced, on Sat., Sept. 27, 2025, and Sat., Oct. 11, 2025, the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin will be flown at half-staff coinciding with the Final Alarm Ceremony and Silent Procession at the Wisconsin Fire & EMS Memorial Park in Wisconsin Rapids, which is hosted by the Wisconsin Fire & EMS Memorial.
In May, Gov. Evers signed Executive Order #258 ordering the flags to be flown at half-staff on Sun., May 4, 2025, in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service during National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. Executive Order #258 also ordered the flags to be flown at half-staff on Sat., Sept. 27, 2025, in recognition of the Final Alarm Ceremony, and again on Sat., Oct. 11, 2025, in observance of Wisconsin Firefighters Memorial Day during Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 5 through Oct. 11, 2025, as established by state statute.
“We owe firefighters and all of our state’s dedicated first responders an incredible debt of gratitude, as every day they go to work they put their own health, lives, and safety at risk to serve others in their darkest hours,” said Gov. Evers. “Throughout the year, we lower the flags in honor of those who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty, not only as a sign of respect and appreciation for their commendable commitment to service, but as a measure of thanks to the families, loved ones, and colleagues they left behind and that their hero’s sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Previously, the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend had been held in October, but beginning in 2023, the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation moved the observance from October to May. However, in Wisconsin, Wis. Stat. 995.225(1) still designates each week annually during which October 9 falls as Fire Prevention Week and designates the Saturday at the end of Fire Prevention Week as Wisconsin Firefighters Memorial Day.
Executive Order #258 subsequently orders the flags to be flown at half-staff on Sat., Sept. 27, 2025, in recognition of the Final Alarm Ceremony, and on Sat., Oct. 11, 2025, in honor of Fire Prevention Week, which features observances, ceremonies, exercises, and activities related to fire safety education, and culminates with the observance of Wisconsin Firefighters Memorial Day in recognition of the firefighters of this state who made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duties over the course of the year. A copy of the governor’s forthcoming 2025 Fire Prevention Week proclamation is available here. A copy of the governor’s forthcoming Wisconsin Firefighters Memorial Day proclamation is available here.
Executive Order #258 will be in effect from sunrise to sunset on Sat., Sept. 27, 2025, and Sat., Oct. 11, 2025.
Honoring Former Governor Joseph Flores
It was previously reported on this site that former Governor Joseph F. Flores of Guam had passed away on September 25, 2025. This information was incorrect.
Governor Flores, who served from 1960 to 1961 as Guam’s first Chamorro governor, passed away on December 18, 1981 in Agana, Guam.
We sincerely regret the error and any confusion or distress it may have caused. The mistake originated from an automated parsing error of official government sources. We have since updated our procedures to ensure stricter verification before publishing, including additional checks of source material.
Honoring Minnesota Firefighters
Governor Walz Directs Flags to Half-Staff for Minnesota Fallen Firefighters
Governor Tim Walz today directed all United States and Minnesota flags at state buildings to be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Sunday, September 28, to honor Minnesota firefighters who have been killed or injured in the line of duty. This order occurs annually in honor of Minnesota Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day.
“Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep Minnesotans safe,” said Governor Walz. “We lower our flags to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities and to recognize the families who carry their legacy forward.”
Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to join in lowering their flags to honor Minnesota’s fallen firefighters and their families.
Honoring Firefighters Kulikowski and Thompson
Governor Orders Flags Half-Staff for Fallen Firefighters Brenna Kulikowski and Damon Thompson
Governor Katie Hobbs ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff on Friday, Sept. 26, in honor of Brenna Kulikowski and Saturday, Sept. 27, in honor of Damon Thompson. Both Timber Mesa Fire District firefighters lost their lives in a vehicle collision in the line of duty on Sept. 14 and will be laid to rest in the days ahead.
Brenna Kulikowski’s memorial will be held on Sept. 26 at 10 a.m. at the Show Low High School Auditorium. Her obituary can be read here: https://www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com/obituaries/brenna-kulikowski
Damon Thompson’s memorial will be held on Sept. 27 at 10 a.m. at the Show Low High School Auditorium. His obituary can be read here: https://www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com/obituaries/damon-thompson
Governor Hobbs issued the following statement:
“These two heroes are missed but will never be forgotten. They both embodied public service as firefighters who served the White Mountains region and the entire state selflessly. I send my deepest condolences to Brenna’s husband and daughter, to Damon’s fiancée and to both of their parents, siblings, extended families, communities and colleagues.”
Individuals, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to join in these tributes.
Honoring Former Governor James B. Hunt Jr.
Sep 25th through sunset Sep 27th, 2025
WHEREAS, James B. Hunt Jr., the 69th Governor of North Carolina, passed away on September 23, 2025 at the age of 88; and WHEREAS, Governor Hunt served the people of North Carolina with distinction for over two decades, first as Governor from 1977 to 1985, and again from 1993 to 2001; and WHEREAS, Governor Hunt was a champion of public education, economic development, and environmental protection, leaving a lasting legacy on the state of North Carolina; and WHEREAS, it is fitting that we honor the life and service of this beloved former Governor. NOW, THEREFORE, I, [Governor Name], Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby order that the flags of the United States of America and the State of North Carolina shall be lowered to half-staff from sunrise on September 25, 2025 until sunset on September 27, 2025, the day of interment, in tribute to the memory of Governor James B. Hunt Jr.
Honoring State Senator Bruce Patterson
Governor Whitmer Orders Flags Lowered to Honor Former State Senator Bruce Patterson
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex to be lowered to half-staff on Friday, September 19, 2025, to honor and remember former state Senator Bruce Patterson who recently passed away.
“Bruce was a good friend, tough foe, and great fun. Whether he was wearing the iconic red Stormy Kromer hat while speaking at my inauguration or debating legislation on the Senate floor, Bruce always put Michigan first,” said Governor Whitmer. “He never wavered in his commitment to making Wayne County and our entire state the best place to live, raise a family, or build a business. At a time when things feel so heavy in our politics, the world could learn from Bruce about how to see humanity in each other, regardless of which side of the aisle we stand on. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and those who worked with and served alongside him.”
Former state Senator Patterson attended Wayne State University, earning a bachelor’s degree and juris doctor. Patterson began his career with private law practice, practicing for many years and serving as president and partner of McCabe, Middleton & Patterson, P.C. His career in community service began when he served as Director of Planned Giving at Eastern Michigan University, where he led planned-giving efforts to strengthen the university’s philanthropic programs.
Patterson began in public service at the local level, serving as a Wayne County Commissioner before being elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 1999. In 2002 he was elected to the Michigan State Senate representing the 7th District, where he served two terms from 2003 to 2010. During his time in the legislature, he advocated for consumer protections, environmental stewardship, and government transparency.
The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and service of former state Senator Bruce Patterson by lowering flags to half-staff within the State Capitol Complex. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.
To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.
Flags should be returned to full staff within the State Capitol Complex on Saturday, September 20, 2025.
POW/MIA Flag Display
Display of the POW/MIA Flag in Virginia
It is the sense of the General Assembly that members of the armed forces of the United States who are or were prisoners of war or reported missing in action should be honored and remembered for their service and sacrifice. In observance of that service and sacrifice, all agencies and institutions of the Commonwealth shall display the POW/MIA flag on public buildings on the following days each year:
- Armed Forces Day — the third Saturday in May.
- Memorial Day — the last Monday in May.
- Flag Day — June 14.
- Independence Day — July 4.
- National POW/MIA Recognition Day — the third Friday in September.
- Veterans Day — November 11.
2001, c. 835, § 2.1-27.3:1.
Source: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter33/section2.2-3310.1/
US POW/MIA Service Members
Governor Healey Orders Flags Lowered for National POW/MIA Recognition Day
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings from sunrise until sunset on Friday, September 19, 2025, in observance of National POW/MIA Recognition Day and in honor of United States service members who are prisoners of war or missing in action.
Honoring Fallen Officers
Governor Shapiro Orders Flags Half-Staff for Fallen York County Officers
Updated September 24, 2025
On Wednesday, September 17, in accordance with the United States Flag Code, Governor Josh Shapiro ordered all Commonwealth and United States flags on Commonwealth facilities, public buildings, and grounds across Pennsylvania to remain at half-staff in honor of Detective Sergeant Cody Becker, Detective Mark Baker, and Detective Isaiah Emenheiser — the three Northern York County Regional Police Department officers who were killed in the line of duty during the tragic shooting in North Codorus Township, York County.
Flags shall remain lowered to half-staff until sunset on the date of interment, Thursday, September 25, 2025.
All Pennsylvanians are invited to participate in this tribute.
Honoring Magistrate Judge Erich Campbell
Governor Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Magistrate Judge Erich Campbell
Post Date:09/19/2025
TOPEKA – Today, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly directed flags be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol Complex and all court buildings and facilities to honor Magistrate Judge and retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Erich Campbell.
“From his time in the Army to his time on the bench, Judge Campbell demonstrated a commitment to public service,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “We owe him a debt of gratitude for his leadership on behalf of Kansans and our country. My condolences go out to his loved ones during this difficult time.”
Judge Campbell passed away on September 18, 2025, and flags will remain half-staff until he is interred on Thursday, September 25, 2025.
To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, visit https://www.governor.ks.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honors.
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Source: https://www.governor.ks.gov/Home/Components/News/News/780/55