(WTAQ-WLUK) — Flags across Wisconsin will be flown at half-staff in honor of Wisconsin firefighters who died in the line of duty.
On Saturday, Sept. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 10, the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin will be flown at half-staff coinciding with the Final Alarm Ceremony and Silent Procession at the Wisconsin Fire & EMS Memorial Park in Wisconsin Rapids, which is hosted by the Wisconsin Fire & EMS Memorial.
In May, Gov. Evers signed Executive Order #290 ordering the flags to be flown at half-staff on May 3, in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service during National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. Executive Order #290 also ordered the flags to be flown at half-staff on Sept. 26, in recognition of the Final Alarm Ceremony, and again on Oct. 10, in observance of Wisconsin Firefighter Memorial Day during Wisconsin Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4 through Oct. 10, as established by state statute.
We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Wisconsin’s firefighters and EMS professionals for all that they do and sacrifice to answer the call and help folks in their darkest hours,” said Gov. Evers. “These brave individuals run towards danger, risking themselves for the health and safety of others. Today, we honor and remember those who’ve tragically lost their lives in the line of duty and recognize their service by lowering the flags across the state of Wisconsin. We remember their service and sacrifice, and Kathy and I share our deepest condolences with the families, loved ones, and colleagues who miss them every day.
Previously, the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend had been held in October, but beginning in 2023, the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation moved the observance from October to May. However, in Wisconsin, Wis. Stat. 995.225(1) still designates each week annually during which October 9 falls as Fire Prevention Week and designates the Saturday at the end of Fire Prevention Week as Wisconsin Firefighters Memorial Day.
Executive Order #290 subsequently orders the flags to be flown at half-staff on Sat., Sept. 26, 2026, in recognition of the Final Alarm Ceremony, and on Sat., Oct. 10, 2026, in honor of 2026 Fire Prevention Week, which features observances, ceremonies, exercises, and activities related to fire safety education, and culminates with the observance of Wisconsin Firefighters Memorial Day in recognition of the firefighters of this state who made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duties over the course of the year.
Executive Order #290 will be in effect from sunrise to sunset on Sat., Sept. 26, 2026, and Sat., Oct. 10, 2026.
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