Why Flags Are Half-Mast in Three States Today

Flags have been lowered across three major states in recognition of four emergency service personnel who died while serving their communities.

Governors in Texas, New York, and Washington have ordered flags be flown at half-staff in tribute.

Among them are two National Guard members who were killed in a helicopter crash, a state patrol trooper struck by a motorist, and a fire chief, who had been part of the emergency response to the recent Panhandle wildfires.

Washington

In Washington, flags will be lowered for State Police Trooper Christopher Gadd. According to a statement by Washington State Patrol, Gadd, 27, was killed on March 2, 2024, after being struck by a motorist. He had served for two-and-a-half years with the force.

The driver of the other vehicle, Raul Benitez Santana, was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide and vehicular assault, CNN reported.

A memorial for Gadd is being held at the Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett on Tuesday, open to the public.

Gadd is survived by his wife, Cammryn, daughter Kaelyn, father WSP Trooper David Gadd, mother Gillian, and sister, Jacqueline, among other family members and friends.

“Chris’s passing is a devastating loss to his family—a family who knows all too well the risks of public service but still has offered that service with unquestioned valor and now, unfathomable sacrifice,” said Washington State Patrol Chief John R. Batiste.

“I can tell you that across the entire Washington State Patrol, every head is bowed, every knee is bent, and every heart is broken as we mourn this loss. To honor Chris, even in sorrow, we will go on. We will continue to serve. Because he did, we must.”

Washington Governor Jay Inslee has directed that state and U.S. flags at all state agencies be lowered on Tuesday.

“Trudi and I send our heartfelt condolences to Trooper Gadd’s family—a family with deep ties to the highest calling in public service,” Inslee said in a statement on social media.

“His service and sacrifice in the line of duty will always be remembered.”

New York

In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul has directed flags to be lowered in recognition of New York National Guard members Casey Frankoski and John Grassia who died in a helicopter crash on Friday, March 8, near Rio Grande City, Texas.

Their UH-72 Lakota helicopter crashed while conducting routine operations. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

President Joe Biden paid tribute to Frankoski, Grassia and Border Patrol agent Chris Luna who was also killed in the incident.

“These brave Americans dedicated their lives to protecting our nation. They signed up knowing the risks and believing in the mission of serving their fellow Americans by keeping our nation safe,” Biden said in a statement.

“Our gratitude is profound, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

Grassia, 30, who also served as a New York state trooper, and Frankoski, 28, had served in the National Guard since 2013 and 2016, respectively.

Governor Hochul directed flags on all state buildings to be lowered from March 11 until Frankoski’s and Grassia’s interment.

“I am deeply saddened at the passing of two members of the New York National Guard and a member of the New York State Police during a federal deployment along our southern border,” Governor Hochul said.

“There is no greater calling than service to and defense of your country. I join the members of our National Guard and State Police, and the entire State of New York, in mourning this tragic loss.

“Our deepest sympathies are with the families and friends of those killed, and I remain incredibly grateful for the many service men and women who put themselves at risk every day to ensure the security of our state and our nation.”

Texas

In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott ordered flags to be lowered in memory of Fritch Fire Chief Zeb Smith, 40, who died responding to a house fire. The Associated Press reported that while the state’s recent wildfires did not cause the blaze, Smith had been part of the teams battling the emergency across the Panhandle.

Smith, who died on Tuesday, March 5, entered the house to check on the occupants but did not exit. After other firefighters found him, he was given medical treatment but later died in hospital.

Brandon Strope, spokesperson for the Hutchinson County Office for Emergency Management, said: “Him and his team were out every day, most nights, got very little sleep and just selflessly went out and did everything they could to save their community and keep us intact.”

A tribute from the City of Borger’s Office of Emergency Management added: “Chief Zeb Smith served the Fritch and Hutchinson County community with selflessness and dedication. His exemplary leadership was evident in his tireless efforts over the past week, where he worked diligently to protect and safeguard his community and fellow citizens.

“In this time of profound loss, our thoughts and condolences go out to Chief Smith’s family, friends, and the entire Fritch community. We honor Chief Zeb Smith’s legacy of service and express our deepest gratitude for his contributions to public safety.”

Governor Abbott ordered flags in the City of Fritch to be lowered to half-staff in Smith’s honor from March 7 to March 17.

“The First Lady and I extend prayers of comfort for the Smith family during their time of grief,” said Abbott.

“We urge all Texans to remember and honor Chief Smith’s service as a brave and dedicated firefighter.”