In accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly ordered flags throughout the State of Kansas to be flown at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities from sunup on Saturday, October 8, 2022, to sundown on Sunday, October 9, 2022, in recognition of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.

"In the past year we have seen devastating wildfires sweep across Kansas. It is our responsibility to honor all the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our communities every single day,"said Governor Laura Kelly. "Today we remember those we’ve lost, and we pay respects to their families and loved ones."

The honor is extended for all fallen firefighters – including Lt. Malachi Brown of Baxter Springs, Kansas, who died in November 2021 from injuries obtained while battling a structure fire on October 15; and volunteer firefighter Joshua Haynes of Linn County, Kansas, who suffered fatal injuries while battling a fire in Pleasanton, Kansas in June 2022.

"Lt. Malachi Brown and Joshua Haynes paid the ultimate price in service to their communities. They will not be forgotten," said Kelly.