Governor Jim Pillen is honoring the life and service of Lincoln firefighter Nathan Matthews, who died from injuries suffered while battling a wildfire near the Colorado-Utah border late last month. Matthews was deployed with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service as a member of the Rifle Helitack crew assigned to the Knowles Fire.
He was critically injured during a burnover, when rapidly changing winds and fast-moving flames trapped the crew and prevented their escape. Three firefighters from other states were killed in the incident, while Matthews and another firefighter were hospitalized.
“Please join Suzanne and I in lifting up the family of Nathan Matthews in prayer,” Pillen said in a statement. “The sacrifices our wildland firefighters make are real, and we mourn the loss of Nathan. We are forever grateful for his service and sacrifice. May God be with his loved ones during this time.”
The governor also announced that U.S. and Nebraska flags will be flown at half-staff on the day of Matthews’ interment. The date of the flag-lowering will be announced at a later time.