Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and across all public buildings and grounds remain lowered to half-staff on Saturday, March 4 to honor and remember Paw Paw Firefighter Ethan Quillen, who passed away in the line of duty. The flag lowering will coincide with the date of Quillen’s funeral. 

“Ethan Quillen was one of Michigan’s courageous firefighters who put his life on the line every day to keep our communities safe,” said Governor Whitmer. “His commitment to his loved ones and his community was inspiring. As we remember Ethan, my heart goes out to his family and the entire Paw Paw Fire Department.”

Ethan Quillen joined the Paw Paw Fire Department in September 2019 as a volunteer. Quillen was an MDOT employee and a dedicated public servant within the Paw Paw Fire Department. Quillen was also a devoted husband to his wife Katelyn, and father to his two-year-old son.

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and service of fallen Paw Paw Firefighter Ethan Quillen 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 be returned to full staff on Sunday, March 5.