Sacramento, California - Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued the following statement regarding the death of U.S. Forest Service Firefighter David “Dave” Ruhl:

“Anne and I were saddened to learn of the tragic death of U.S. Forest Service Firefighter Dave Ruhl, who left his home state to help protect one of California’s majestic forests. Firefighter Ruhl will be remembered for his service and bravery and we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues with the U.S. Forest Service.”

Ruhl, 38, of Rapid City, South Dakota, served in the Mystic Ranger District of the Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota. He died yesterday while on assignment at the Frog Fire burning in the Modoc National Forest outside Alturas, California.

Ruhl is survived by his wife, Erin, and their two children. He worked for the U.S. Forest Service for 14 years and previously served in the U.S. Coast Guard.

In honor of Firefighter Ruhl, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.