Governor Tom Wolf ordered the commonwealth flag on all commonwealth facilities, public buildings and grounds fly at half-staff to honor Rostraver West Newton Emergency Services Paramedic Matthew Smelser, who was killed January 5, 2020, while responding to a crash on Interstate 70.

“Matthew Smelser’s death is a tragic reminder of the risk taken by emergency personnel across the state each day to rescue Pennsylvanians in distress,” said Gov. Wolf. “We need to do our part to exercise caution while traveling, especially during winter weather or when approaching the scene of an accident.”

The commonwealth flag shall be lowered to half-staff until sunset on Monday, January 6, 2020, and on the day of interment, which has not yet been announced. The United States flag is to remain at full staff through this tribute.

All Pennsylvanians are invited to participate in this tribute.