Lansing, MI - Governor Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags to be lowered to half-staff throughout the state of Michigan on Saturday, September 18 to honor the lives of firefighters who have died in the line of duty in 2020 and 2021, including those who have died of COVID-19.
The flag honors will coincide with the Bureau of Fire Services Statewide Memorial on Saturday, September 18.
“Michigan’s firefighters courageously put their life on the line each and every day to serve our communities,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “The selflessness and dedication of these heroes do not go unnoticed especially as they worked to protect our state throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. As we remember these fallen heroes, my thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones.”
The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and selfless service of these fallen firefighters 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 remain lowered on Sunday, September 19 to recognize former Staff Sergeant Natalie Barajas. Flags should be returned to full-staff on Monday, September 20.
A list of recognized firefighters can be found here:
| Name | Rank | Fire Department | Date of LODD |
| Benjamin K. Lauren | Firefighter | Forsyth Twp. Fire Dept. | 3/13/2020 |
| Franklin D. Williams Jr. | Captain | Detroit Fire Dept. | 4/8/2020 |
| Steven Splan | Public Safety Officer/Firefighter | Bloomfield Hills Dept. Of Public Safety | 8/2/2020 |
| Joseph Michael Liedel | Capt./Firefighter | Monroe Charter Twp. Fire Dept. | 8/23/2020 |
| Joseph Todd Gallo | Capt./Firefighter | Blissfield Twp. Fire Dept. | 11/17/2020 |
| Michael Buitendorp | Firefighter | Grant Twp. Fire Dept. | 11/18/2020 |
| Roland Brooks | Fire Chief | Grant Twp. Fire Dept. | 12/20/2020 |
| Jeff Brozich | Captain | Madison Heights Fire Dept. | 3/1/2021 |