Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday ordered flags to fly at half-staff in honor of San Antonio firefighter Scott Deem.
Mayor Ivy Taylor made the request to Abbott, who is the only state official to approve such a request.
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Deem was killed in a four-alarm fire Thursday night at a strip mall on the 6700 block of Ingram Road. Two other firefighters were injured and remain hospitalized.
"We are blessed to have an outstanding Fire Department made up of some of the best and bravest men and women in the country. Unfortunately, last night, one of our best did not make it home," Taylor said. "We will always be in debt to Mr. Deem and the sacrifice he and his family have made. Asking the flags be flown at half-staff is just one way we as a city can pay tribute to his service."
Flags will remain at half-staff until interment.
"This morning, members of the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association shared with me a lot about who Scott Deem was and what he meant to the men and women he served beside." Taylor said. "He was a family man, a husband, a father and a firefighter. He was a good friend to everyone who knew him and was an asset to the San Antonio Fire Department in every sense of the word.
"I was at the emergency room last night and was reminded not just about the bravery and strength of the men and women in uniform but also of their loved ones, who pray something like this never happens."
Residents who wish to leave flowers or other items in memory of Deem can do so at Public Safety Headquarters, at 315 S. Santa Rosa Ave.
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