Kinder orders flags at half-staff for slain Maplewood fireman
Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, still acting governor as Matt Blunt continues his trip to Europe, ordered all flags at state buildings in St. Louis County at half-staff on Friday to honor the Maplewood firefighter killed this week. 
Ryan Hummert, 22, was fatally shot while responding to an early-morning vehicle fire on Monday. Police have identified the shooter — whose intention apparently was to ambush emergency responders — but are unclear what drove him to violence.
“Today we mourn the loss of a true hero,” Kinder said in a statement. “A senseless act of violence claimed the life of this young man who had devoted himself to the courageous act of helping others. Ryan’s commitment to his community and his fellow firefighters will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with Ryan’s parents, Andy and Jackie and the entire town of Maplewood.”
Hummert’s father, Andrew, served as mayor of Mapelwood from 1983-1993.
