(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is directing U.S. and state flags in Connecticut lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, May 4, 2025, in recognition of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service, an annual ceremony hosted by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation that serves as the official national tribute honoring all firefighters in the U.S. who have died in the line of duty.
Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags – including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise – should also be lowered during this same duration of time.
During this year’s ceremony, which will be held at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park in Emmitsburg, Maryland, a plaque containing the names of 140 fallen firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2024 and previous years will be added to the memorial, becoming a permanent part of the federal park. Among the names included will be one firefighter from Connecticut: Robert “Sharky” E. Sharkevich, Sr., an engineer from the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department and retired member of the Hartford Fire Department who died in the line of duty while operating at a brush fire at Lamentation Mountain in Berlin on October 22, 2024.
“Firefighters go to work every day ready to risk their lives to protect the lives and homes of complete strangers, and we owe it to them to honor and recognize their fearlessness,” Governor Lamont said. “During this year’s memorial ceremony, we especially pay tribute to one of Connecticut’s own, Robert Sharkevich, Sr. of the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department, who lost his life in the line of duty. I am immensely thankful for the firefighters who protect Connecticut, and I am especially grateful for the families of firefighters who make many sacrifices themselves over the course of their loved one’s call to duty. I urge everyone in our state to reflect upon the bravery of firefighters who have given their lives in service.”
“We are humbled by our firefighters’ sense of duty and commitment to keeping their communities safe,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “They are truly heroes, demonstrating an unparalleled commitment to leadership, bravery, and dedication. Today, let us all take a moment to honor the sacrifice of our fallen firefighters and hold their loved ones in our hearts.”
Flags will be at half-staff on the Connecticut State Capitol building and all other state-operated buildings, grounds, and facilities statewide. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, and any other private entities and government subdivisions are encouraged to lower their flags for this same duration of time.