Flags to fly at half-staff for fallen firefighter
Gov. Tom Wolf has ordered all commonwealth flags on the Capitol Complex and at all commonwealth facilities in the city of Philadelphia to fly at halfstaff starting tomorrow to honor fallen Philadelphia and Delaware County firefighter Lt. Matt LeTourneau.
In the meantime, the Philadelphia Fire Department has announced services for the fallen firefighter.
“We are mourning the tragic death of Lt. Matthew LeTourneau from injuries received battling a significant fire over the weekend,” Wolf said. “I urge all Pennsylvanians to join me in keeping his family, his colleagues and all our first responders in your thoughts. His sacrifice for his fellow citizens will not be forgotten.”
LeTourneau, a 1993 graduate of Cardinal O’Hara High School and a longtime member of Springfield Fire Co., died Saturday while battling a row house fire in North Philadelphia. LeTourneau, an 11-year veteran of the city fire department, was trapped under debris during a structure collapse inside the burning building. A civilian also perished in the blaze.
The commonwealth flag shall be lowered from sunrise on Tuesday, Jan. 9, through sunset Saturday, Jan. 13. Pennsylvanians are encouraged to participate in the tribute.
The United States flag should remain at full-staff during this tribute.
Two public viewings will be held for LeTournau at the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter and Paul. The cathedral is located at 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia.
The public viewings will be held Thursday, Jan. 11, from 4:30 to 9 p.m. and again on Friday, Jan. 12 at 9 a.m.
Friday’s viewing will be followed by a funeral Mass at the Basilica at 11 a.m.
Interment will follow at Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Springfield. Arrangements are by the O’Leary Funeral Home in Springfield.