Lincoln, Nebraska – Governor Jim Pillen has directed that Nebraska flags be lowered to half-staff on Saturday in honor of firefighter Nathan Matthews, who died from injuries he suffered while battling a wildfire near the Colorado-Utah border in late June.
The tribute recognizes Matthews’ dedication and sacrifice while serving on the front lines of a dangerous wildfire response. State officials said the flag order will coincide with his public memorial service, allowing Nebraskans to remember a firefighter who gave his life in the line of duty.
Matthews, who was originally from Lincoln, Nebraska, served with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service as a member of the Rifle Helitack crew. He was responding to the Knowles Fire when tragedy struck. During the firefighting operation, Matthews and another firefighter were seriously injured and taken to the hospital. Three additional members of the crew died at the scene.
Nebraska and Colorado join in honoring fallen firefighter
Both Nebraska and Colorado will recognize Matthews through official tributes. While Governor Pillen ordered flags in Nebraska to be lowered on Saturday, Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced that flags in his state would be flown at half-staff on Friday.
Before the memorial, a motorcade transporting Matthews’ remains is scheduled to leave Denver at 7:30 a.m. Mountain Time and travel west along Interstate 70 to Grand Junction.
In Nebraska, flags are to remain at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, the day of Matthews’ memorial service.
The public memorial is being organized by the Upper Colorado River Interagency Management Unit and will begin at 10 a.m. Mountain Time at the Avalon Theatre in Grand Junction, Colorado. Community members wishing to pay their respects are invited to attend the service.
Officials also announced that Matthews’ family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.
The coordinated tributes from Nebraska and Colorado recognize Matthews’ commitment to protecting others during dangerous wildfire operations and honor the ultimate sacrifice he made while serving his country and the communities threatened by the Knowles Fire.
