Governor Walz Orders Flags Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Fire Chief Daryl ‘Taddy’ Drusch
In honor and remembrance of Howard Lake Fire Chief Daryl “Taddy” Drusch, Governor Tim Walz has ordered all United States flags and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings from sunrise until sunset on Friday, January 17, 2020.
“Fire Chief Daryl ‘Taddy’ Drusch dedicated 30 years of exemplary service to the Howard Lake Fire and Rescue/Ambulance Service, serving as chief since 2014,” reads the proclamation from Governor Walz. “With its deepest gratitude, the State of Minnesota recognizes Fire Chief Drusch for his dedicated service to, and sacrifice for, his fellow citizens, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and entire community.”
Fire Chief Drusch died at home on January 13, 2020, of a suspected heart attack hours after responding to an emergency call. His death is Minnesota’s first line-of-duty fire service death of 2020. Fire Chief Drusch is survived by his wife, Julie; his son, Taylor; several siblings; and many fellow firefighters, friends, and community members.
Governor Walz proclamation:
WHEREAS: Fire Chief Daryl “Taddy” Drusch dedicated 30 years of exemplary service to the Howard Lake Fire and Rescue/Ambulance Service, serving as chief since 2014; and
WHEREAS: Fire Chief Drusch was a dedicated firefighter, who was respected and loved by his family, friends, and colleagues; and
WHEREAS: The 49 year-old volunteered to serve his community with dignity and pride; and
WHEREAS: Fire Chief Drusch was known as an outgoing community member who would always go the extra mile to help anyone in need, whether it was driving a tractor or tinkering to get something to work right; and
WHEREAS: Fire Chief Drusch loved coaching his son’s baseball team, camping, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, playing cards and, most of all, spending time with his wife and son; and
WHEREAS: Fire Chief Drusch died on January 13, 2020, at his home from a suspected heart attack after responding to an emergency call less than 12 hours prior; and
WHEREAS: Fire Chief Drusch’s death is the first Minnesota line-of-duty fire service death of 2020; and
WHEREAS: Fire Chief Drusch is survived by his wife,Julie;15 year-old son, Taylor; several siblings and many fellow firefighters, friends, and family; and
WHEREAS: With its deepest gratitude, the State of Minnesota recognizes Fire Chief Drusch for his dedicated service to, and sacrifice for, his fellow citizens, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and entire community.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM WALZ, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby order all United States flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in Minnesota, from sunrise to sunset, on Friday, January 17, 2020, in honor and remembrance of Fire Chief Daryl “Taddy” Drusch.