Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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September 17, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 17, 2021
Contact: Press@Michigan.gov
Governor Whitmer Lowers Flags for Fallen Firefighters
LANSING, Mich. -- Governor Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags to be lowered to half-staff throughout the state of Michigan on Saturday, September 18 to honor the lives of firefighters who have died in the line of duty in 2020 and 2021, including those who have died of COVID-19. The flag honors will coincide with the Michigan Fireman's Memorial Festival.
"Michigan's firefighters courageously put their life on the line each and every day to serve our communities," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "The selflessness and dedication of these heroes do not go unnoticed especially as they worked to protect our state throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. As we remember these fallen heroes, my thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones."
The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and selfless service of these fallen firefighters by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.
To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.
Flags should remain lowered on Sunday, September 19 to recognize former Staff Sergeant Natalie Barajas. Flags should be returned to full-staff on Monday, September 20.
A list of recognized firefighters can be found here:
Name: Benjamin K. Lauren
Rank: Firefighter
Fire Department: Forsyth Township Fire Department
Date of LODD: 3/13/2020
Name: Franklin D. Williams, Jr.
Rank: Captain
Fire Department: Detroit Fire Department
Date of LODD: 4/8/2020
Name: Steven Splan
Rank: Public Safety Officer/Firefighter
Fire Department: Bloomfield Hills Department of Public Safety
Date of LODD: 8/2/2020
Name: Joseph Michael Liedel
Rank: Capt./Firefighter
Fire Department: Monroe Charter Twp. Fire Department
Date of LODD: 8/23/2020
Name: Joseph Todd Gallo
Rank: Capt./Firefighter
Fire Department: Blissfield Twp. Fire Department
Date of LODD: 11/17/2020
Name: Michael Buitendorp
Rank: Firefighter
Fire Department: Grant Twp. Fire Department
Date of LODD: 11/18/2020
Name: Roland Brooks
Rank: Fire Chief
Fire Department: Grant Twp. Fire Department
Date of LODD: 12/20/2020
Name: Jeff Brozich
Rank: Captain
Fire Department: Madison Heights Fire Department
Date of LODD: 3/1/2021
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