Why are flags at half-staff in Ohio?

[In the player above, watch previous FOX 8 News coverage on the Ohio Department of Transportation.]

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WJW) — Gov. Mike DeWine’s office on Tuesday announced the death of former Ohio Department of Transportation director Jerry Wray, and ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in his honor.

DeWine’s order requires U.S. and state flags to be flown at half-staff, from Tuesday, April 23, through sunset on the day of Wray’s funeral, at ODOT facilities and at public buildings and grounds throughout Licking County and around the state capitol.

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Wray was first appointed by former Gov. George Voinovich to lead the state’s transportation department from 1991 to 1999. During that time, he established the state’s Transportation Review Advisory Council, which ensured transparency on the state’s project selection process.

“Jerry was passionate about transforming ODOT into an organization that displayed what he called ‘excellence in government,'” reads a statement from DeWine. “The changes he ushered in will benefit our state for decades to come.”

Wray was the only ODOT director to be appointed a second time, having been picked by former Gov. John Kasich to serve from 2011 to 2019. He was succeeded in 2019 by current Director Jack Marchbanks.

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ODOT’s central office in Columbus was named the Jerry Wray Building, according to DeWine’s office.

“Jerry was a dedicated public servant and it is fitting that the building bears the name as he was beloved and respected by ODOT employees, contractors and everybody who came into contact with him at work and in life,” DeWine said.

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