**HALF-STAFF ALERT**State of Texas | Wednesday, June 5, 2013 – Houston Firefighters

Wednesday, June 5, 2013
TX – Houston Firefighters
June 3, 2013

Commander Jose P. Ortiz, III, Capitol Region
Texas Department of Public Safety
1500 North Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78701

Dear Commander Ortiz:

The State of Texas has been deeply affected by the injuries and loss of life that resulted from the recent motel fire in the City of Houston. It seems fitting that flags should be flown at half-staff on the day of the memorial service as a mark of respect for those brave firefighters who perished while serving their community.

Therefore, pursuant to Texas Government Code Chapter 3100 and acting in my capacity as the Governor of the State of Texas, I hereby direct the lowering of State of Texas flags to half-staff on Wednesday, June 5, 2013. Flags should return to full-staff on the next day, Thursday, June 6, 2013.

Please notify personnel within your agency and other state agency and university leaders of this directive. Flags should be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all State of Texas offices and facilities in other states and abroad. Individuals, businesses, municipalities, counties and other political subdivisions are encouraged to fly their flags at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

Anita and I send our deepest condolences and prayers to the families and support personnel touched by this terrible event.

Respectfully,

RICK PERRY

Governor