Gov. orders flags to half-staff for Upstate firefighter killed in crash

CLINTON, S.C. (WSPA) — South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has ordered flags on all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff Friday in tribute to Clinton firefighter Michael Vinson.

Vinson died Sunday morning while responding to a call when the fire engine he was inside was involved in a crash at the intersection of Springdale Drive and Willard Road in Clinton.

Another firefighter was injured along with the driver of another vehicle.

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McMaster’s order also requested that flags be lowered to half-staff at all city and county government buildings, as well.

“I have ordered all flags on state buildings to be lowered to half-staff tomorrow in honor of Firefighter Michael Vinson, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty this week,” McMaster wrote in a social media post. “Please join us in praying for his family as we remember his life, service, and sacrifice.”

Vinson’s funeral is set for 2 p.m. Friday at Union Baptist Church at 536 Old Quaker Church Road in Laurens. There will be an overflow area at Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church on Chestnut Ridge Road.

A funeral procession will leave Kennedy Mortuary in Laurens at 1 p.m. and will travel to Union Baptist Church.

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