Honoring Security Guard Colleen Bass
Lowering of Flags in Memory of Security Guard Colleen Bass
October 10, 2025
TO: All State Agencies
FROM: Bob Ferguson
Governor
SUBJECT: Lowering of the Washington State and United States Flags
I am deeply saddened by the death of Eastern State Hospital Security Guard Colleen Bass, 57, who was tragically killed in the line of duty on Saturday, September 27, 2025. I hereby direct that Washington state and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff in her memory on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. A private memorial service will be held on that date.
Flags should remain at half-staff until the close of business or sunset on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
Please notify all of your field offices and facilities around the state.
Other government entities, individuals, and businesses are encouraged to join this recognition.
Honoring Officer Henry J.R. Franklin
Jefferson City — Today, in honor of Sikeston Department of Public Safety Officer Henry J.R. Franklin, Governor Mike Kehoe ordered the U.S. and Missouri flags to be flown at half-staff at government buildings in Scott, New Madrid, and Mississippi counties, all police stations, sheriffs’ offices, and Missouri State Highway Patrol general and troop headquarters across Missouri on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from sunrise to sunset.
“Officer Franklin devoted his life to courageously serving and protecting others, including nearly 20 years in the military, with two tours in Iraq, and over 12 years of service to the City of Sikeston as a member of Sikeston DPS,” Governor Kehoe said. “Officer Franklin died as he and other officers attempted to bring a murder suspect to justice. He will be remembered for bravely confronting violence and making the ultimate sacrifice so his fellow Missourians could live safer and more secure lives. Claudia and I are keeping his family, members of the Sikeston DPS, and all who loved him in our prayers.”
On October 6, Officer Franklin deployed as a member of the Sikeston Department of Public Safety Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team to assist the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office in the apprehension of a suspect in a homicide investigation. Officer Franklin was shot and killed by the suspect, who was concealed inside a residence, during the service of an arrest warrant.
Officer Franklin bravely served in the United States Army from March 2002 to February 2013 and the Missouri Army National Guard from November 2013 to August 2022, serving in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism, and rising to the rank of sergeant. He earned his Missouri Peace Officer License after graduating from the Southeast Missouri State Law Enforcement Training Academy on May 31, 2013, and was commissioned as an officer by the Sikeston Department of Public Safety on June 2, 2013. He served with distinction, including as a K9 Handler and as a member of the department’s SWAT team.
Flags will be flown at half-staff on the day of Officer Franklin’s memorial service. To view the Governor’s proclamation, click here.
Honoring EMT Glenn Collins
Governor Katie Hobbs ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff in honor of Firefighter EMT Glenn Collins, who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle crash on his way to work on Oct. 3. Collins, 46, was a seven-year veteran of the department and is the third line of duty loss for the fire and medical district in the past several weeks. Flags should be lowered on Sunday, Oct. 12, in honor of his interment.
Governor Hobbs issued the following statement:
“My deepest condolences go out to the Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District for another unimaginable loss in their community. We honor and remember Glenn Collins, and we will always appreciate his brave service to others. We mourn along with his family, his friends and our first-responders community.”
Individuals, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to join in these tributes.
Honoring Andrew Cully
Flags Lowered for Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Cully
OCTOBER 8, 2025
Jefferson City — Today, in honor of United States Army Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew “Drew” Gunnison Cully, Governor Mike Kehoe ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at government buildings in the State of Missouri for one full day on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from sunrise to sunset.
“Missourians join Americans from across our nation in mourning four United States Army soldiers who lost their lives in a tragic training accident, including Ozark, Missouri, native Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Cully,” said Governor Kehoe. “We will lower the flags across our state on Saturday as a solemn reminder that Andrew’s service and sacrifice to our nation will never be forgotten. Claudia and I join the family, friends, loved ones, and military brothers and sisters of Chief Warrant Officer Cully in remembering a dedicated and humble American hero.”
On September 17, Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Cully tragically died in the line of duty alongside three other courageous Night Stalkers from the 4th Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), while conducting an aviation training exercise near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.
Flags will be flown at half-staff on the day Chief Warrant Officer Cully is laid to rest. To view the Governor’s proclamation, https://governor.mo.gov/proclamations/governor-kehoe-orders-flags-fly-half-staff-honor-chief-warrant-officer-andrew-cully
Honoring Officer Barrantes’ Sacrifice
Governor Newsom Issues Statement on Death of Chowchilla Police Officer Barrantes
Jennifer and I are saddened by the loss of Officer Barrantes. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. Officer Barrantes served his community with dedication and his sacrifice will always be remembered.
On October 3, Officer Barrantes was involved in an on-duty traffic collision on State Route 152 at Road 13 in Madera County. Despite lifesaving efforts by first responders, Officer Barrantes succumbed to injuries he sustained in the crash while on scene.
Officer Barrantes, 37, had 15 years of dedicated law enforcement service, including one year with the Chowchilla Police Department.
He is survived by his mother and three children.
In honor of Officer Barrantes, flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-staff.
Honoring 2nd Lt. Blaine Wilcox
Gov. Reynolds Orders Flags Half-Staff to Honor WWII Soldier Blaine Wilcox
Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered all flags in Iowa to fly at half-staff on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from sunrise to sunset to honor a fallen soldier from Pacific Junction, Iowa, who was killed during World War II.
U. S. Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Blaine Wilcox was killed in action during a bombing mission over Germany in 1944. He will be buried in Glenwood, Iowa, 81 years to the day of his death. Wilcox was 26 years old.
Tuesday, October 7
Graveside services and interment
2:00 p.m.
Glenwood Cemetery
Glenwood, IA
Wilcox will be buried with full military honors.
Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be half-staff on all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state.
Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties, and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.
Honoring Hamas Attack Victims
Governor Hochul Directs Flags at Half-Staff and Landmarks to be Lit Yellow in Remembrance Anniversary
Governor Kathy Hochul today directed flags on State buildings to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, October 7 in remembrance of the victims of the Hamas attack on Israel two years ago. Additionally, the Governor directed landmarks to be illuminated in yellow in solidarity with Israel and the 48 remaining hostages who have not been returned home.
“Two years after the horrific attack on the people of Israel, we stand with Jewish people in New York and around the world today and every day, and remember the victims of that tragic day and those still held hostage today,” Governor Hochul said. “As the home of the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, we mourn this tragedy and continue to pray for the safe return of the remaining hostages, an end to the war, and a lasting peace.”
Landmarks to be illuminated include:
- 1WTC
- Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
- Kosciuszko Bridge
- The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
- State Education Building
- Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
- Empire State Plaza
- State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
- Niagara Falls
- The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
- Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct
- Albany International Airport Gateway
- MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station
- Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
- Moynihan Train Hall
Earlier this week, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar was marred by a horrific act of antisemitic violence in Manchester, England. Out of an abundance of caution, Governor Hochul directed New York State Police to increase patrols at religious sites and initiate outreach to Jewish communities statewide. Heightened uniformed patrols remain in place this week, and the state Counter Terrorism Intelligence Unit (CTIU) and special operations teams will be fully engaged.
Firefighters Memorial Day
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 President Russell M. Nelson
Oct 7th through sunset
Flags should be lowered to the half-staff position at sunrise on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, the date of President Nelson’s funeral, and remain at half-staff until sunset. The governor invites all private citizens, businesses, and other organizations to participate in this recognition. — Office of Governor Spencer J. Cox
Source: https://governor.utah.gov/news/
Honoring Trooper Craig Gaines
Sep 29th through sunset
Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered U.S. and Florida flags to be flown at half-staff on Monday, Sept. 29, in honor of Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Craig Gaines, who died from injuries sustained in the line of duty. Flags will be lowered at the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles headquarters and Troop H headquarters in Tallahassee, as well as at the Gadsden County Courthouse and Quincy City Hall. The order applies from sunrise to sunset on Monday.
Source: https://flvoicenews.com/desantis-orders-flags-at-half-staff-to-honor-trooper-craig-gaines/