Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is directing U.S. and state flags in Connecticut lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, August 23, 2025, in honor of Steve Kuczynski, an employee of the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS) who died last week as a result of injuries sustained on the job while conducting maintenance work at the Southbury Training School in Southbury.

The lowering of flags is being coordinated with the funeral service, which is scheduled for Saturday morning in Ansonia.

“This is such a tragic loss, and we honor the public service Steve Kuczynski provided to the people of Connecticut and the Department of Developmental Services,” Governor Lamont said. “Those who enter public service are helping build a better future for our state and our nation. My prayers and condolences are with Steve’s family and friends, and his colleagues at Southbury Training School and DDS.”

In accordance with the governor’s directive, flags will be at half-staff on the Connecticut State Capitol building and all other state-operated buildings, grounds, and facilities statewide. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, and any other private entities and government subdivisions are encouraged to lower their flags for this same duration of time. Since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered.