Gov. Evers signs order to fly flags at half-staff to honor fallen Wisconsin firefighters

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Gov. Tony Evers has signed Executive Order #222, mandating the flags of the United States and Wisconsin to fly at half-staff as a tribute to firefighters who died in the line of duty.

The order was announced in a press release issued on Thursday, May 2.

Flags will be lowered on Sunday, May 5, in observance of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. The lowering coincides with National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, which was moved from October to May by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in 2023.

"Our firefighters are brave and dedicated individuals who show up for us and our communities on some of our worst days and in dangerous situations to help keep us safe, sacrificing their health and safety when they do," said Gov. Evers. "Today and throughout the year, it is important for us as Wisconsinites to pay our respects to firefighters who’ve lost their lives and made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, as well as to the loved ones who miss them and mourn their loss every day."

Further dates for flying the flags at half-staff under Executive Order #222 include Saturday, Sept. 28 during the Final Alarm Ceremony at the Wisconsin Fire & EMS Memorial, as well as Saturday, Oct. 12, marking Wisconsin Firefighters Memorial Day.

All flags will be lowered from sunrise to sunset on these dates.