Oregon Honors Jason Ensign as Memorial Service Set for Saturday
Flags fly at half-staff today as public line-of-duty memorial service is set for Saturday at Henley High School
Half-Staff Tribute: Workers lower the American flag to half-staff at Green Diamond Resource Company in honor of Jason Ensign, who died Aug. 6 while operating a dozer in support of firefighting operations on the Wrights Spring Fire. Green Diamond Resource Company.
Updated, August 14, 2026
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Flags at Oregon public institutions are flying at half-staff today in honor of Jason Ensign, the Klamath Falls dozer operator who died while working on the Wrights Spring Fire.
The statewide tribute continues from sunrise to sunset Friday, Aug. 14.
A public line-of-duty memorial service for Ensign is scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. at Henley High School in Klamath Falls. The day will begin with a procession leading to the school. The service is open to the public.
Ensign, 47, died Aug. 6 while working as a contractor for Green Diamond Resource Company. He was operating a dozer near the Yahwee Plateau, helping crews construct fire lines and improve access when the Wrights Spring Fire rapidly intensified and cut off his escape route.
Jefferson Daily News previously reported on the circumstances surrounding Ensign’s death, including the rapid fire growth that separated his dozer from an escape route and safety zone.
His death came during a period of significant fire growth that prompted evacuations, a state conflagration response, and the deployment of hundreds of firefighters and emergency personnel across Klamath County.
Father and Daughter / Cover Image: Jason Ensign is pictured with his daughter in a photo shared with a GoFundMe established to support his family following his death on the Wrights Spring Fire. GoFundMe / Ensign family fundraiser.
Green Diamond has also honored Ensign, describing him as a mechanic and equipment operator whose dedication, skill, and commitment to wildfire response reflected the professionalism he brought to his work.
A GoFundMe has been established with the blessing of Ensign’s family to help his daughter and family with expenses associated with his death.
The fundraiser was organized by Valerie Hedrick, a longtime friend who knew Ensign for 16 years. Hedrick described him as a hard worker, someone who regularly helped others, and above all a “proud girl dad.”
According to the fundraiser, Ensign’s daughter was his greatest joy and an important part of who he was. Money raised is intended to help with immediate expenses following his death while also providing his daughter with financial support and time to grieve.
The organizer said the goal is to ease some of the financial pressures that follow a sudden loss and provide the kind of support Ensign would have wanted to continue giving his daughter himself.
The statewide flag order is another recognition of Ensign’s service and sacrifice.
“On behalf of all Oregonians, I extend my deepest condolences to Jason Ensign’s family, loved ones, and colleagues,” Governor Tina Kotek said. “Mr. Ensign’s passing is a tragic loss, and a stark reminder of the danger first responders bravely confront every day when protecting our communities.”
Flags at Oregon public institutions will remain at half-staff through sunset Friday. Ensign’s public line-of-duty memorial service begins at 11 a.m. Saturday at Henley High School.
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