Bryce Jungbluth died after suffering a sudden medical emergency on July 26 after coming off duty, and the Eau Claire Fire Department said the loss led to an Honor Watch and a planned procession through Clare, Wisconsin. Members of the fire service have been maintaining the watch until he is laid to rest.
The department said, "The Eau Claire Fire Department extends its deepest condolences to Bryce’s family, friends and all those affected by this tremendous loss." It added, "we respectfully ask the community to keep them in their thoughts during this difficult time."
Eau Claire procession route
A procession is planned for Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, starting in Minneapolis around 11 a.m. and arriving in Eau Claire around 12:30 p.m. Members of the public are encouraged to gather safely along the procession route.
The timing gives the route a set window for those who want to pay respects without disrupting the movement itself. The plan begins outside Eau Claire and ends there, placing the community gathering at the arrival rather than at the start.
Jeremy Gragert and Dave Solberg
Eau Claire City Council President Jeremy Gragert and Eau Claire City Manager Dave Solberg ordered the flags of the United States and the State of Wisconsin to fly at half-staff at all city buildings. The order took effect immediately and continues until sunset on Aug. 10, the day of his interment.
The article describes the death as a line-of-duty death, but Jungbluth suffered the medical emergency after coming off duty. That detail leaves the department honoring him in the way the fire service uses for fallen members while the city keeps its flags lowered through the interment.
For the public, the immediate actions are clear: follow the procession route safely on Aug. 1, and expect city buildings to keep the United States and State of Wisconsin flags at half-staff through Aug. 10.
