New York Flags Flown at Half-Staff In Honor of Ulster Firefighter

Flags will be flown at half-staff today across the state in honor of one of the Hudson Valley's bravest.

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Governor Hochul has directed flags to be lowered across New York today, July 9th, following the loss of Fire Chief David A. Gagnon in Ulster County last week.

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Ulster County Fire Chief David A. Gagnon Killed July 3rd

The Cottekill Fire District announced the devastating news regarding the loss of their Chief, David A. Gagnon, who lost his life in the line of duty during a tree-related incident

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In their official press release, the Cottekill Volunteer Fire District share the following:

On Friday, July 3, 2026 at 3:06pm, the Cottekill Fire District responded to a report of a tree in the roadway in the Town of Rosendale. A crew of the Cottekill Fire Department members, including Chief David A. Gagnon responded.

While operating on scene, and working to remove the tree from the roadway, Chief Gagnon was struck when a portion of the tree unexpecetly snapped and struck him.

Life-saving measures were administered under the direction of several local first responders and agencies, but sadly, Chief Gagnon succumbed to his injuries.

Governor Hochul Direct Flags Lowered to Half-Staff

Today, Thursday, July 9, Governor Hochul has directed flags on all State government buildings to be lowered, from sunrise to sunset, in honor of Chief Gagnon.

For more than three decades, Dave lived a life of extraordinary services to his country and his community,” Governor Hochul said. “A member of the New York Army National Guard and a firefighter with the Cottekill Fire Department, served with honor and protected his neighbors until the end. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, fellow soldiers, and the Cottekill Fire Department as we honor his lasting legacy of selfless service.