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/
Honoring Sergeant Scott Heimann
Governor Kelly Directs Flags at Half-Staff for Sergeant Scott Heimann
TOPEKA – In accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly on Tuesday directed flags be flown at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities from sunup to sundown on Friday, October 3, 2025, in honor of Hays Police Sergeant Scott Heimann, who was killed in the line of duty on September 28, 2025.
“For nearly a decade, Sergeant Heimann was committed to protecting those in Hays, and he made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his community,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “His sacrifice is a debt that we will never forget or be able to repay. My sincere condolences go out to his family and loved ones as they mourn this tragedy, and to all Kansans as we grieve our state’s fourth line-of-duty death in the last three months.”
Sergeant Heimann will be honored during services held on October 3, 2025.
Source: https://www.governor.ks.gov/Home/Components/News/News/786/55?selcat=4
Honoring the Victims of the Mass Shooting
Oct 1st through sunset Oct 5th, 2025
WHEREAS, on October 1, 2025, a tragic mass shooting occurred in Las Vegas, Nevada, resulting in the deaths of 17 individuals and injuring dozens more; and WHEREAS, the State of Nevada mourns the loss of life and stands in solidarity with the victims, their families, and the entire Las Vegas community; NOW, THEREFORE, I, [Governor Name], Governor of the State of Nevada, do hereby order that flags be flown at half-staff on all state buildings and grounds from October 1, 2025, until sunset on October 5, 2025, in memory of the victims of the Las Vegas mass shooting.
Source: https://gov.nv.gov/proclamation-las-vegas-shooting-2025-10-01/
Honor of Isabella Oscarson
Boise, Idaho — Governor Brad Little has ordered all U.S. and State of Idaho flags to be lowered to half-staff immediately to honor the life of Isabella Oscarson, a dedicated member of the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) fire crew who died in the line of duty. Oscarson was killed after being struck by a falling tree while battling a wildfire.
“Idahoans are grieving the loss of Isabella Oscarson, a promising young woman whose life was cut far too short while serving the people of Idaho as a wildland firefighter. Her loss is felt deeply by the firefighting community and beyond. Please join Teresa and me in praying for Isabella’s loved ones and her Idaho Department of Lands team,” Governor Little said in a news release.
Honoring Victims of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Shooting
Sep 28th through sunset Oct 3rd, 2025
The State of Michigan is remembering the lives lost at the Grand Blanc church shooting by lowering flags across the state to half-staff. Governor Gretchen Whitmer ordered all U.S. and Michigan flags at the State Capitol and public buildings across Michigan to be lowered immediately to half-staff to honor the victims who were killed during the Sunday shooting and fire at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc.