Created: January 02, 2021 08:17 PM
Flags were lowered to half-staff across the state Wisconsin, honoring a man who died on Dec. 17 after contracting COVID-19. The 55-year-old fire chief from Clayton was laid to rest Saturday.
Don Kittelson was hospitalized in November and his community rallied around him. On Saturday, the same supporters said their final goodbyes.
Dozens came out from Wisconsin and Minnesota; many say he wouldn t have wanted this attention but he deserved the honor.
“It s anticipated. It s what we do because it s a family. It really is. He would probably laugh at me for saying that. He will be missed, this is a very good fire department,” said Tom Barthman, a firefighter.
Gov. Evers orders flag to half-staff in honor of fire chief who died of COVID-19 By: Madison Goldbeck
Kittelson died Dec. 17 after contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty.
The executive order is in effect from sunrise to sunset on Sat, Jan. 2. Fire Chief Kittelson served the Clayton community for more than 34 years, Gov. Evers said. A third-generation firefighter, he was a pillar of his community and a mentor to many, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for firefighting with the next generation. Our deepest condolences and thoughts are with his family, loved ones, the Clayton Volunteer Fire Department, and the entire Clayton community as they grapple with this loss.
Flags to fly half-staff after WI fire chief dies from COVID-19 in line of duty
By FOX6 News Digital Team
Published article
MADISON, Wis. - Gov. Tony Evers has signed an executive order for the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff in honor of Fire Chief Donald Kittelson.
Kittelson was the chief of the Clayton (northwest of Eau Claire) Volunteer Fire Department and passed away on Dec. 17, after contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty.
The governor issued the following statement: Fire Chief Kittelson served the Clayton community for more than 34 years years. A third-generation firefighter, he was a pillar of his community and a mentor to many, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for firefighting with the next generation. Our deepest condolences and thoughts are with his family, loved ones, the Clayton Volunteer Fire Department, and the entire Clayton community as they grapple with this loss.
Dec 30, 2020 8:58 AM
Governor Evers is ordering flags be flown at half staff in honor of the Clayton Volunteer Fire Department chief.
Chief Donald Kittelson died December 17th after contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. Kittelson served the community for more than 34 years and was a third-generation firefighter.
The order will remain in effect until sunset on Saturday.
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