The American and State of Wisconsin flags will fly at half-staff on Saturday, Aug. 3, to mark the celebration of life of Lincoln Hills School for Boys staff member Corey Proulx.
The 49-year-old died on June 25 after being assaulted the evening prior by a teen incarcerated at Lincoln Hills, a youth prison located in Irma, Wis., north of Merrill in Lincoln County.
On June 26, Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #231 ordering flags to fly at half-staff in honor of Proulx's life and service following his death and again on the date of his burial services.
"Our hearts break for Corey, his family and loved ones, his colleagues at the department, and all those who knew and loved him," Evers said in a release following Proulx's death. "By all accounts, Corey was a dedicated public servant who led with kindness and compassion in his commitment toward helping and supporting the youth he worked with."
Proulx served the Department of Corrections as a youth counselor. He joined the department in 2020 before briefly leaving in 2021 and returning in April 2023. DOC Secretary Jared Hoy called Proulx a "dedicated professional, colleague, and friend in the line of duty."
Evers' executive order said Proulx was "a devoted fiancé, father, son, loved one, and friend of so many." He had one daughter and three stepchildren through his fiancé. According to his obituary , Proulx, a Merrill High School graduate, enjoyed hunting, fishing, exploring in the woods and creating art.
What happened to Corey Proulx at Lincoln Hills?
On June 24 around 8 p.m., a 16-year-old boy first assaulted a 25-year-old female staff member in a residence hall after returning from outdoor recreation, according to initial information from the DOC. She was taken to a hospital, treated and released.
The teen then assaulted Proulx, who hit his head on concrete. Proulx was taken by helicopter to a hospital for treatment in critical condition.
On June 26, Lincoln County Coroner Valerie Caylor said Proulx was confirmed to be brain dead. He had signed up to be an organ donor, and his family pursued that option, she said.
How long will flags be at half-staff?
Per Evers' Executive Order #231, flags will fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, the date of Proulx's celebration of life.
Where do flags fly at half-staff?
The American flag and the Wisconsin state flag will fly at half-staff at all buildings, grounds and military installations belonging to the State of Wisconsin, Evers' order states.
Why do flags fly at half-staff?
"The United States flag flies at half-staff or at half-mast when the nation or a state is in mourning," USA.gov says . "The president, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff."
Most often, it marks:
- The death of a government official, military member or first responder.
- A national tragedy.
- Memorial Day or another national day of remembrance.
What is the difference between half-staff and half-mast?
Half-mast refers to flags lowered on a ship while half-staff refers to flags attached to a pole in the ground, according to the Naval History and Heritage Command's blog. "Half-staff" is the preferred term in presidential decrees while "half-mast" is used outside of the U.S.
Journal Sentinel reporter Laura Schulte contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Gov. Evers orders flags at half-staff for celebration of life of Lincoln Hills staffer killed in June
Most Popular
Comments / 0