On Friday, September 19, 2025, Trooper Craig Gaines tragically succumbed to injuries he sustained in the line of duty. Trooper Gaines was a hero who took pride in protecting his community from danger. Trooper Gaines had served the State of Florida as a Florida Highway Patrol Trooper with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles since 2008, and prior to that he served our nation in the United States Navy. He leaves behind his wife of 28 years and three children. He lived a life of service and will be remembered for his unwavering strength, compassion, and commitment to those he loved.

To honor the memory of Trooper Craig Gaines and his service to our state, I hereby direct the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Headquarters and the Troop H Headquarters in Tallahassee, Florida, the Gadsen County Courthouse in Quincy, Florida, and the City Hall of Quincy, Florida from sunrise to sunset on Monday, September 29, 2025.