Multiple U.S. States Lower Flags to Half-Staff Honoring Fallen Police and Firefighters

Several states are honoring fallen public safety officers by ordering flags to be flown at half-staff. In Florida, flags were lowered on September 29 to honor Trooper Craig Gaines, who died in the line of duty and served since 2008, with a history of military service as well. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs ordered flags at state buildings to half-staff on September 26 to honor firefighters Brenna Kulikowski and Damon Thompson, who died in a crash, encouraging public tributes and holding funeral services with ceremonial escorts. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also ordered flags to half-staff to honor firefighters killed or injured in the line of duty, urging widespread participation in the tribute. New York Governor Kathy Hochul directed flags to be flown at half-staff on September 25 to honor New York State Police Sergeant Nigel K. Barnett, a 19-year veteran and Troop K Station Commander, with a funeral service attended by state officials and law enforcement colleagues. These actions reflect a nationwide recognition of the sacrifices made by law enforcement and firefighting personnel in service to their communities.