Katie Hobbs Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff for Timber Mesa Firefighters

Governor Katie Hobbs has ordered flags at all Arizona government buildings to fly at half-staff on Wednesday and Thursday to honor two firefighters who died in a traffic collision while on duty.

As Cactus Politics previously reported, two firefighters with the Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District were killed in a traffic accident on State Route 260 near Show Low over the weekend. A third person involved in the collision has also passed.

The fallen firefighters have been identified as Brenna Kulikowski, 31, and Damon Thompson, 21. Kulikowski had served with the department for three years, while Thompson was approaching his first anniversary with the fire district, having been on the job for nearly a full year.

Memorial Orders

Lowering the American flag to half-staff is a traditional way to show respect, honor, or mourning. The flag is positioned halfway down the flagpole to mark the passing of a significant individual, recognize a national tragedy, or observe a day of remembrance.

The President or a state governor can issue official half-staff orders, though private citizens and organizations are also encouraged to observe them.

In this case, Governor Hobbs structured the flag order to provide individual recognition for each firefighter. Flags will be lowered on Wednesday specifically to honor Kulikowski, and on Thursday to honor Thompson, ensuring each receives a full day of commemoration.

She has also invited individuals, businesses, and organizations across Arizona to join in honoring the fallen firefighters by lowering their own flags to half-staff.

"We deeply appreciate their brave and selfless service to Arizonans," Hobbs stated in her announcement.

The deaths have impacted the local firefighting community and the broader Show Low area.

"We mourn along with the community, and we will never forget their legacies and sacrifice," Governor Hobbs expressed.