Governor Glenn Younkin orders all US flags to be flown at half staff

Photo byCripi via Pixabay

RICHMOND, Va. -- Governor Glenn Younkin announced an order for all United States flags to be flown at half-staff on March 4,2024 in memory of Sterling volunteer firefighter Trevor Brown.

On the evening of February 16, Loudoun County 911 received a call reporting the odor of gas outside a residence, according to a FEMA media release,

Upon arrival, fire crews located an underground propane tank with a leak and requested a hazardous materials response team. A short time later, units on the scene reported a catastrophic explosion, and multiple “maydays" were heard from firefighters inside of the residence.

Fire and rescue crews worked to locate and rescue the trapped members, including firefighter Trevor Brown, who later died from injuries he sustained in the explosion.

Governor Younkin's official (emailed) order reads as follows:

In accordance with the authority vested in me as Governor, I hereby order that the flags of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia be flown at half-staff on all state and local buildings and grounds in the Commonwealth of Virginia in memory and respect of Sterling Volunteer Firefighter Trevor Brown, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on February 16, 2024.

I hereby order that the flags shall be lowered at sunrise on Monday, March 4, 2024, and remain at half-staff until sunset.

Photo byLoudin County, Virginia

Loudoun County officials announced that a Celebration of Life for Brown will be held at Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg on Monday, March 4, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

Brown, 45, had been affiliated with the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company since 2016. He leaves behind a wife and three children.