Governor orders flags at half staff in honor of fallen firefighter

    Statement by Governor Jan Brewer

 

Mourning the loss of fallen firefighter, lowering flags in his honor

 

 

“Today, we mourn the loss of the first wildland firefighter killed in Arizona this season. Anthony Polk, an Engine Boss from Yuma, lost his life Friday when his brush fire engine rolled over while en route to the Montezuma Fire in southern Arizona. Polk, 31, was part of a Bureau of Indian Affairs Engine Crew. Two of his fellow firefighters were injured in the same accident, but – thankfully – it appears that they will recover.

 

“In Arizona, Spring and Summer mean wildfire. We count on the brave men and women who come to our State from all over the country in order to fight these fires. These are men and women who endure the long hours, difficult conditions and – of course – the danger. Men and women like Anthony Polk. Best of all, they do it in order to protect the lives and property of people they have never met and likely never will.

 

“Please keep Anthony Polk, his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. And remember his brothers and sisters still working the Montezuma Fire and other blazes. Grueling days lay ahead in a fire season not nearly over.

 

            “In honor of Anthony Polk and his service and sacrifice to the State of Arizona, I have ordered that all State flags be flown at half-staff until sunset today, June 9, 2012.”