Governor Mike Parson ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be lowered to half-staff at all government buildings in Jefferson County, the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City, and firehouses statewide on Thursday, July 18, from sunrise to sunset in honor of Affton Fire Protection District Captain James Cova. Cova, 54, died July 9 in an Affton firehouse. He joined the Affton Fire Protection District in 2001 and through his dedicated service and leadership was promoted to Lieutenant in 2008 and Captain in 2011. Previously, he had served with the Frontenac Fire Department from 1997 to 2001. The flags will be held at half-staff on the day Captain Cova is laid to rest.