CARSON CITY (FOX5) — Gov. Joe Lombardo has ordered flags at the Nevada State Capitol and all state public buildings and grounds to fly at half-staff Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, in honor of U.S. Forest Service-contracted helitack aerial firefighting pilot Christopher V. Andersen.
Andersen died Aug. 7 while supporting aerial firefighting operations on the Widemouth 2 Fire near Three Creeks Reservoir in Fishlake National Forest, Utah. Co-pilot Mike Elliott, 50, also died in the crash of their Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane.
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Decades of aviation and public service
Andersen served five years as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army, including missions along NATO’s borders during the Cold War. Following his military service, he became a helitack pilot, helping protect communities threatened by wildfires throughout the American West and abroad.
He made his home near Lake Tahoe, where he served as a chief pilot and mentor. Lombardo said Andersen earned the respect of fellow aviators for his skill, leadership, and professionalism.
“Christopher V. Andersen dedicated more than four decades of his life to aviation and public service, first as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army and later flying critical missions and protecting communities across the country and around the world,” Lombardo said. “His courage, service, and dedication to protecting others will not be forgotten by the people of the State of Nevada.”
Flag order details
The flag order applies to the Nevada State Capitol and all state public buildings and grounds from sunrise to sunset on Monday, Aug. 17. The order was issued at the request of Andersen’s family. Lombardo signed the proclamation Aug. 14, 2026.
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