Salem, OR – Pursuant to the United States Flag Code, Governor Tina Kotek ordered flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff on October 17, 2026, in honor of David Taylor, who died on August 29, 2026, while aiding with evacuation efforts for the Railroad South Fire near Indiahoma, Oklahoma. Mr. Taylor, 38, was a federal wildlife officer with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Mr. Taylor grew up in Scio, Oregon, and served as a volunteer firefighter with the Scio Rural Fire Protection District. Mr. Taylor graduated from Scio High School in 2006. He later continued his education, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix in criminal administrative justice. He previously served on active duty in the U.S. Navy and continued his military service in the Navy Reserve while also serving as a federal wildlife officer with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. At the time of his death, he was a Senior Chief Petty Officer in the Navy Reserve. Mr. Taylor served the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge and Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico before joining Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.
“Mr. Taylor’s storied record of service and courage in the face of danger exemplifies the kind of person he was,” Governor Kotek said. “He was unwavering in his commitment to community and nation, and on behalf of all Oregonians, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and colleagues.”
Flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on October 17, 2026, to coincide with Mr. Taylor’s memorial service in Salem.