Governor Ned Lamont is directing US and state flags in Connecticut lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, July 29, in honor of Muddy Brook Fire Department Firefighter George W. Brown, who died in the line of duty following a response to an emergency call for service.

According to Brown’s obituary, he died Thursday, July 21. A memorial service for the 73-year-old former chief of MBFD, a department within Woodstock, Conn., is scheduled for tomorrow morning.

Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the US flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered during this same duration of time.

Brown was a past fire chief of the department and a member for more than 50 years. He graduated from Woodstock Academy in 1967 and served in the US Army during the Vietnam War.

He is survived by his wife, two daughters and their significant others, a granddaughter, a sister, and a brother. He was predeceased by a sister.

In announcing the proclamation Lamont said “Chief Brown dedicated himself to public protection, including through his military service during the Vietnam War and as a lifelong member of the Muddy Brook Fire Department.

“His line of duty passing following a response to an emergency call for service is heartbreaking, and I extended my condolences to his friends, family, and colleagues in the fire department,” the governor continued.

Lt Governor Susan Bysiewicz said Brown was a “devoted public servant and patriot, who served both his Woodstock community and his country during the Vietnam War.

“His selfless career with the Muddy Brook Fire Department epitomizes his dedication to serving and protecting others, and his line of duty passing is a tragedy. I extend my sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues in the fire department and Woodstock community,” Bysiewicz added.

Flags across the state were lowered less than three weeks ago, following the line of duty death of Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Chief Bill Halstead. Halstead, also 73, died July 8 after returning home from a call with the fire company he had been a member of since his 16th birthday.

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Managing Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.