OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KOKH) — Governor Kevin Stitt ordered all U.S. flags and Oklahoma flags on state property to be lowered to half-mast to honor a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Officer who was killed in the Railroad South Fire near Indianoma while helping residents evacuate.
Stitt said 38-year-old U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Officer David Taylor died while going door-to-door with emergency crews evacuating families as the wildfire moved through the area.
“Officer Taylor made the ultimate sacrifice while serving others,” said Governor Stitt. “He put the safety of Oklahoma families ahead of his own, and his courage will not be forgotten. Sarah and I are praying for his family and his fellow officers.”
Flags are being flown at half-staff on all state property from sunrise on Sept. 1 until sunset on Sep. 4.
Oklahoma State Senator Dusty Deevers released a statement honoring Officer Taylor.
David Taylor spent his final moments doing what he had devoted his life to doing — serving his country and protecting others. When families were in danger, he ran to help them escape. His courage, selflessness, and devotion to duty represent the very best of Oklahoma and the United States. David was a strong Christian man and laid down his life to rescue others.
Taylor spent 20 years in naval service on active duty in the United States Navy and remained a Senior Chief Petty Officer in the Navy Reserve, completing five deployments. He also served as a federal wildlife officer at Rio Mora and Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuges in New Mexico before joining Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.
Our prayers are with David’s wife, children, loved ones, fellow officers, and the men and women who served alongside him. The family deserves both our gratitude and its privacy. My office and our church body, where they attended, is assisting the family so that every benefit, honor, and measure of support due to them is pursued.
