Governor Kate Brown today ordered all flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff immediately until sunset tomorrow, February 5 in honor of St. Paul Fire District volunteer firefighter Austin Smith, who was killed on February 3 after he was critically injured while responding to a barn fire in Marion County.

"On behalf of the State of Oregon, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family of Austin Smith," said Governor Brown. "Firefighting is often difficult and dangerous work, and we honor those who make the ultimate sacrifice to protect our land, our communities, and fellow Oregonians. Dan and I are keeping Mr. Smith's family, friends, and the St. Paul community in our thoughts during this time as they mourn the loss of a dedicated community volunteer."