WA to Lower Flags to Half-Staff This Weekend in Honor of Fallen Firefighters

In an effort to honor fallen firefighters you'll notice flags at half-staff around Washington State this weekend.

FLAGS WILL BE AT HALF STAFF STARTING FRIDAY AFTERNOON

The directive was issued by Governor Bob Ferguson on Monday requiring state agencies to lower flags to half-staff from Friday to Sunday. The action by the governor honors National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service set for May 3-4.

70 FIREFIGHTERS DIED IN THE LINE OF DUTY IN 2024

The service is hosted by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The national tribute this year will honor 70 firefighters who died in 2024 in the line of duty. 70 other firefighters who died in the past will be honored as well.

LOCAL AND STATE FIREFIGHTERS WILL ALSO BE HONORED AS WELL

The day will also honor firefighters from the Yakima Valley who have died in the line of duty including firefighters Tom Craven, Devin Weaver, Jessica Johnson, and Karen Fitzpatrick. They all died when the Thirty Mile wildfire raged out of control and swept over the top of them as they deployed their fire shelters on a rocky slope in the Chewuch River Canyon near Winthrop.

THREE NAMES TO BE ADDED TO THE LIST

The names of three western Washington firefighters will be added to the Roll of Honor this year. The Roll of Honor recognizes those who have died in the line of duty. A total of 140 firefighters will be honored during the Memorial Service set for May 3-4.

FLAGS ARE ALREADY AT HALF-STAFF

Flags are already at half-staff in the state of Washington after Governor Ferguson issued the order on April 22  in "honor and rememberance" of Pope Francis who passed away on Monday, April 21 at the age of 88.