Please be advised that San Rafael Mayor Gary Phillips and Governor Brown have authorized that the flag of the United States be lowered and flown at half-staff at San Rafael facilities in honor and remembrance of Fire Battalion Chief Matthew Burchett, of Draper, Utah, who passed away on August 13, 2018, while working on the Mendocino Complex Wildfires. We extend our heartfelt and sincere condolences to the Burchett Family, Draper Fire Dept. and the Fire Service Family. Please keep them in your thoughts, as fires continue to burn in California. https://twitter.com/drapercity
‘A master of his craft’: Experienced Draper firefighter dies battling a huge blaze in California
Utah mother who lost son in wild fire has message for Matt Burchett’s family
San Rafael Fire Personnel please continue to shroud your badges.
Please see that the our flags are raised and then lowered with reverence and respect.
Matthew Burchett, Battalion Chief, LODD
- Three San Rafael Firefighters and one Marinwood Firefighter assigned to Engine OES 358, returned home safely on August 12, 2018, following an arduous and challenging 14-day assignment to Mendocino Complex Fire. We appreciate the service and sacrifice of all of the first responders fighting these deadly fires and protecting us at home.
Aug 14, 2018
SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued the following statement regarding the death of Draper City Fire Department Battalion Chief Matthew Burchett, who passed away while working on the Mendocino Complex wildfires in Northern California:
“Firefighters from across the nation – and world – have selflessly battled California’s massive wildfires, and sadly today we mourn the loss of one of those heroes from Draper, Utah, Chief Matthew Burchett. Our hearts ache for his wife and young son, family members, loved ones, colleagues with the Draper City Fire Department and the entire State of Utah.”
Chief Burchett, 42, was deployed to the California wildfires earlier this month, along with four other firefighters from Draper, Utah. He had worked with his local fire department since May and previously served 20 years with the Greater Salt Lake Unified Fire Authority.
In honor of Chief Burchett, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.