Flags in Wisconsin are to be flown at half-staff on Sunday, per an executive order signed today by Governor Tony Evers. The directive is intended as a mark of respect for the firefighters of Wisconsin who have given their lives in the line of duty.
Governor Evers has proclaimed May 3-4 this year as National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, and the half-staff display honors those those fallen firefighters.
The Memorial Wall at the Wisconsin Fire & EMS Memorial in Wisconsin Rapids includes the names of four Sheboygan County firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty. They are:
Fireman Emil Birr of the Sheboygan Fire Department who died in the line of duty on April 13, 1904.
Lineman Wilbur Lemkuil of the Sheboygan Fire Department who died while working on a power line pole when he struck a high voltage wire on August 24, 1954.
Chief Richard A. Penning of the Kohler Fire Department, who died of a heart attack while investigating a car fire on Highland Drive on November 5, 1990.
Elkhart Lake Fire Department Chief Edward Weber who lost his life to a heart attack while fighting a grass fire on April 13, 2003.
In making his declaration, Governor Evers stated that: “Our firefighters have selflessly dedicated their lives to service and to ensure Wisconsinites across the state are safe and secure, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. On behalf of the state, we recognize and thank all members of our firefighting communities for their brave service and sacrifice and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of safety and serving their fellow neighbor.”
Executive Order #258 will be in effect from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, May 4, 2025.
Comments