|
Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Governor Beshear orders flags to half-staff in honor of State Forestry Ranger Donald R. Lam
FRANKFORT, Ky.– Gov. Steve Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff on Monday, Feb. 21, 2011 in honor of Donald R. Lam, a state forestry ranger who passed away Thursday, Feb. 17 from injuries sustained while fighting a forest fire in western Kentucky last September.
“Jane and I send our deepest condolences to the family of Donald Lam,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “His courage and dedication to protecting our public safety is an example to us all. Let his life’s work and tragic death remind us of the extreme dangers of uncontrolled burning anywhere in the Commonwealth. Don served the Caldwell County community, the state and volunteered for wildfire assignments across the nation. His sacrifice for the protection of life and property is to be commended and honored.”
Lam, 58, was a dedicated forest ranger technician and experienced wildland firefighter who had assisted with fire suppression efforts on the local, state and national level for nearly 12 years. He was injured on Sept. 7, 2010 while working the Scotts Chapel Road Fire, a 12-acre wildfire in Livingston County. The accident occurred when Lam was clearing a fire break at the base of a bluff and a burning snag broke loose and struck him from behind. The impact left Lam unconscious with second degree burns and he remained in critical condition until his passing.
Funeral services for Lam will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 21, 2011 at Morgan’s Funeral Home in Princeton, Ky. Gov. Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset that day.
Gov. Beshear encourages individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies to join in this tribute.
Flag status information is available at www.governor.ky.gov/flagstatus.htm.
###
|