MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) --- Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers ordered flags to half-staff in honor of Fire Chief Donald Edwin Kittelson of the Clayton Volunteer Fire Department on Wednesday, Dec. 30.

Kittelson died Dec. 17 after contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty.

The executive order is in effect from sunrise to sunset on Sat, Jan. 2.

"Fire Chief Kittelson served the Clayton community for more than 34 years," Gov. Evers said. "A third-generation firefighter, he was a pillar of his community and a mentor to many, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for firefighting with the next generation. Our deepest condolences and thoughts are with his family, loved ones, the Clayton Volunteer Fire Department, and the entire Clayton community as they grapple with this loss."