NY State Order · Half-Staff
Flags at Half-Staff for David A. Gagnon
July 9, 2026
Governor Kathy Hochul directed flags at New York State buildings to be flown at half-staff to honor Cottekill Fire Chief David A. Gagnon, who died in the line of duty on July 3, 2026. Chief Gagnon was struck by a portion of a tree that unexpectedly snapped while he was clearing a roadway in Rosendale. With more than 30 years of service to the Cottekill Fire Department and a distinguished 35-year career as a Colonel in the New York Army National Guard, he served his country and community with honor.
Flag protocol
Flags on all State government buildings are to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
Source: www.governor.ny.gov