PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey ordered that flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff on Sunday, June 30, 2019 in honor of the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots who lost their lives fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire in 2013.
Kevin Woyjeck, age 21; Chris MacKenzie, age 30; Billy Warneke, age 25; Scott Norris, age 28; Andrew Ashcroft, age 29; Clayton Whitted, age 28; Anthony Rose; age 23, Eric Marsh, age 43; Robert Caldwell, age 23; Dustin Deford, age 24; Scott Misner, age 26; Garret Zuppieger, age 27; Travis Carter, age 31; Grant McKee, age 21; Travis Turbyfill, age 27; Jesse Steed, age 36; Wade Parker, age 22; Joe Thurston, age 32, and John Percin, age 24 killed attempting to contain the Yarnell Hill Fire on June 30, 2013.
Their deaths made the Yarnell Hill Fire the single deadliest event for American firefighters since Sept. 11, 2001.
“Six years since the devastating Yarnell Hill Fire, the example of service and sacrifice of the Yarnell 19 remains among the greatest our state has ever known,” said Governor Ducey in a press release. “These elite firefighters — as young as 21 years old — gave their all in defense of their community. On the sixth anniversary of their tragic loss, we remember that these brave men left behind wives, children, families, friends and futures to keep us safe. For that, Arizona owes them and their loved ones our eternal gratitude.”
“This weekend, I ask all Arizonans to join me in reflecting on the heroism and selfless service of the Yarnell 19,” continued Ducey. “We will never forget what they did. We also express our deep appreciation to all the firefighters and first responders who put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe each wildfire season. Thank you to these brave men and women and their families.”
In November, 2016, the Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park opened to the public to honor the legacy of the Yarnell 19.