Oregon flags to fly at half-staff to honor fallen firefighter Jesús Eduardo Olimpo Gutiérrez Toral

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) --- Gov. Tina Kotek ordered flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff on Tuesday in honor of fallen wildland firefighter Jesús Eduardo Olimpo Gutiérrez Toral.

Gutiérrez Toral, age 25, died on Sept. 9 while conducting firefighting operations on the Austin Fire in the Mount Hood National Forest.

Jesús Eduardo Olimpo Gutiérrez Toral worked as a tree faller, also known as a sawyer and as a wildland firefighter across both Oregon and Washington. His family resides in Springfield, Ore., and in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico.

Gov. Kotek offered condolences to the firefighter's family and colleagues while recognizing his service. “On behalf of all Oregonians, I extend my deepest condolences to Mr. Gutiérrez Toral's family, loved ones and colleagues,” Kotek said. “Mr. Gutiérrez Toral gave his life in service of the communities he helped to protect. His courage and selflessness remind us of the extraordinary risks firefighters face so that others may be safe. We honor the empty place at the table that his passing leaves behind.”

Pursuant to the U.S. Flag Code, flags at state public institutions will fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, Sept. 22.