The family of City Fire Capt. Vincent Fowler joined his tightly knit, extended FDNY brethren on Tuesday on the apparatus floor of the quarters of Engine Co. 331/Ladder Co. 173 in Howard Beach to celebrate the life of the late Bravest leader who made the supreme sacrifice on June 4, 1999, at a house fire in South Ozone Park.
“Captain Fowler was, and continues to be, a beacon of excellence, and his legacy continues to inspire firefighters throughout the city,” City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) said on Tuesday inside the Cross Bay Boulevard firehouse.
During that difficult blaze, Fowler stayed behind to make sure that all of his men had safely exited the dwelling. Fowler’s tank ran out of oxygen and he collapsed in the cluttered basement. Due to the congested conditions and zero visibility it was extremely difficult for rescuers to locate and pull him out in time.
This ultimately led to the FDNY revising their techniques for removing an unconscious firefighter from “mayday” situation.
In May 2000, PS 108 in South Ozone Park was co-named The Captain Vincent G. Fowler School in honor of his heroic efforts and passion for education.
“Thank you for your sacrifice, Capt. Fowler,” said Ariola, chairwoman of the Council Committee on Fire and Emergency Management. “You will never be forgotten. And thank you to everyone who came out to remember him today.”
Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Ariola
