GOV. MALLOY DIRECTS CONNECTICUT FLAGS TO HALF-STAFF IN HONOR OF

EASTON FIREFIGHTER LT. RUSSELL F. NEARY

Flags Will Fly at Half-Staff on Saturday From Sunrise to Sunset

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy directed Connecticut flags to fly at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, November 3, 2012 in honor of Lieutenant Russell F. Neary, the Easton firefighter who was killed in the line of duty during Storm Sandy.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Lt. Neary's family, friends, and fellow firefighters during this terrible time," said Governor Malloy. "He died in the line of duty doing what he loved to do: helping people. This was a devastating storm for the region, made exponentially worse by the death of Lt. Neary and the three Connecticut residents who lost their lives. Connecticut's first responders put themselves in harm's way every single day, and we are deeply grateful for their work and the sacrifices they make on behalf of the state. "

"We join the Neary family and the Town of Easton in mourning the tragic loss of Lt. Neary," said Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman. "We are very proud and grateful for the work our fire, police, and emergency services personnel are doing to help Connecticut residents recover from Storm Sandy-and the work they do every day to protect us. Lt. Neary was a critical part of Easton's response team, and his loss will be felt every day."

Neary served as a volunteer firefighter for the Easton fire department for thirteen years. He will be buried on Saturday.

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