Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is directing US and state flags in Connecticut lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset tomorrow in honor of Steve Kuczynski, an employee of the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS) who died last week as a result of injuries sustained on the job while conducting maintenance work at Southbury Training School in Southbury.

The lowering of flags is being coordinated with the funeral service for Kuczynski, which is scheduled for tomorrow morning in Ansonia.

CT State Police, Southbury firefighters and ambulance personnel responded to the state property around 1:15 pm Wednesday, August 13, after a state employee later identified as Kuczynski was injured in a lawn mowing accident there. Kuczynski was transported to a hospital. He died of his injuries the following day.

A Derby native, the 50-year-old Kuczynski was a former long haul trucker who returned to Connecticut “and ultimately landed a job with the State of Connecticut doing what he enjoyed,” according to his obituary. He is survived by his mother, two sisters and a brother, among many other extended family members, friends, and his dog.

“This is such a tragic loss, and we honor the public service Steve Kuczynski provided to the people of Connecticut and the Department of Developmental Services,” Lamont said. “Those who enter public service are helping build a better future for our state and our nation. My prayers and condolences are with Steve’s family and friends, and his colleagues at Southbury Training School and DDS.”

In accordance with the governor’s directive, flags will be at half-staff on the Connecticut State Capitol building and all other state-operated buildings, grounds, and facilities statewide.

Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, and any other private entities and government subdivisions are encouraged to lower their flags for the same duration of time.

Since no flag should fly higher than the US flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered.