Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon on Thursday ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on Friday, Dec. 23, for the fallen volunteer firefighter who perished last week in a rescue mission at Keyhole Reservoir in Crook County.
Bruce Lang, a training officer with the Pine Haven Volunteer Fire Department, died Dec. 16 when his utility task vehicle broke through the ice on the reservoir while he was attempting to assist another person who had fallen through.
“Jennie and I send our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Lang,” Gordon said in a statement. “We recognize that this loss impacts the entire community of Pine Haven.”
The governor’s office also announced that flags will be lowered in the future for a first responder who was killed on Wednesday as he was assisting victims of a two-vehicle accident outside of Rawlins on Interstate 80.
A semitrailer collided into an ambulance while 29-year-old Tyeler Harris of Saratoga and a colleague were attending to the crash. Harris was pronounced dead at the scene. His colleague sustained critical injuries.
“These tragedies are a reminder of the risks that accompany the selfless commitment of first responders in our state, who are all deeply committed to serving their fellow citizens,” Gordon said.
