Governor Doug Ducey ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset Tuesday, July 13, 2021, to honor two wildland firefighting aircraft personnel who died Saturday in an airplane crash. 

Air Tactical Group Supervisor Jeff Piechura and pilot Matthew Miller tragically died as they engaged in wildland firefighting operations on the Cedar Basin Fire in northwest Arizona.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jeff Piechura and Matthew Miller, who were carrying out their mission on the Cedar Basin Fire in service of the people of Arizona,” said Governor Ducey. “My deepest condolences go to the Piechura and Miller families, their loved ones and colleagues. The memory of these brave, selfless firefighters will live on. Our prayers are with them and all of Arizona’s wildland firefighters serving in the face of danger to keep their fellow Arizonans safe.”