COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. John Kasich ordered Tuesday all flags be lowered to half-staff on public buildings and grounds across Butler County, in remembrance of Hamilton Firefighter Patrick Wolterman, who died in the line of duty early Monday.
The flags will lower from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, Dec. 31.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Kasich said he would also encourage fire stations across Ohio to lower their flags to half-staff “in honor of the sacrifice of this braved hero.”
Wolterman was responding to a report of a house fire on Pater Avenue in Hamilton just after 1:00 a.m. Monday when he fell through the floor to the basement. Firefighters had been advised there were residents trapped inside, but that later proved to be inaccurate.
According to Hamilton Safety Director J. Scott Scrimizzi, the “may day” announcing a firefighter down came “almost immediately upon entry.” Wolterman was rushed to Ft. Hamilton Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
A public memorial service is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Thursday at Princeton Pike Church of God, 6106 Princeton Glendale Road. Afterward, there will be a procession to Spring Grove Cemetery followed by a private graveside service.
Wolterman's funeral mass is scheduled for Wednesday evening but is not open to the public.
