CHIEF TODD ROWE -- ELKHORN CITY, KY

[EEResQ]

FYI:

Jason "Todd" Rowe, 30, Chief of the Elkhorn City, Kentucky Fire Department was killed Thursday evening December 23, 2004, during a training exercise which involved the use of air lifting bags to facilitate the installation of snow chains on fire apparatus during winter weather emergency vehicle operations.


Visitation at the Bailey Funeral Home in Elkhorn City, KY was last evening, and again tonight from 6 PM to 9:30 or 10 PM.


"Fallen Fire Fighter Services" performed by the Pike County Fire Fighters Association will commence at 1:00 PM, Wednesday 12-29-2004, at the Elkhorn City Elementary School. The funeral procession and burial to follow immediately thereafter.


Instead of flowers, the Rowe family is requesting that donations be made to the "Todd Rowe Foundation" at Community Trust Bank or the Elkhorn City Fire Department in memory of Chief Todd Rowe.


F.D. ADDRESS:

ELKHORN CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT
395 PATTY LOVELESS DRIVE
ELKHORN CITY, KENTUCKY 41522




EEResQ
KY

[EEResQ]

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2004

Today, in the Elkhorn City Elementary School Gymnasium where he played basketball as a boy, about 600 mourners said good-bye to this local SON, BROTHER, EAGLE SCOUT, COLLEGE GRADUATE, FIRE FIGHTER, EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN, DEPUTY SHERIFF, INSTRUCTOR and FRIEND, who preferred to be addressed as just "Todd." The gathering included family, friends and emergency responders from across Kentucky and adjoining states. Along the funeral procession route, just about everyone else in this small town paid their last respects to the local boy who went off to college, but came back to serve where he knew he was needed most.

At the small mountainside Wilson Cemetery in Draffin, Kentucky, the narrow two lane US HWY 460 was shut down for over a mile to accommodate the more than 50 emergency vehicles and another 50 POV's that accompanied Todd on his last run. His flag draped "Firefighter's" casket was carried atop the new Elkhorn City VFD pumper that Todd had arranged through a series of successful grant applications in 2003-2004.

About 300 people climbed the steep hill to stand graveside in support of Todd's grieving family. They listened as the bagpiper played Amazing Grace and trumpets sounded an echoing Taps. After the Preacher read "The Fireman's Prayer" Todd's only brother, Captain Robbie Rowe, US Army Airborne, said a touching final good-bye complete with military salute.

Finally, the fire and ambulance tones were activated by Pike County 911 Dispatch. Across hundreds of emergency pagers and radios throughout the Eastern Kentucky Mountains
"Unit 725 -- Chief Todd Rowe" received his final dispatch.

Good-bye Todd.


EEResQ
KY

[MacInnis]

I hate to ask after the fact. But do you know if he was a EKU grad.

[EEResQ]

Yes, Todd was an EKU grad; '97 or '98.

[szdiver47]

We were very sad to hear of the tragic death of your Chief Todd. Our heartfelt prayers are with the family and department. If we can do anything, please call.

Sandy Zureick, Volunteer FF/EMT,
Southgate Fire Department
Southgate, Ky. 41071

[EEResQ]

If anyone has the time, our brothers and sisters in Elkhorn City are hurting, and could use our support. To my knowledge, sadly, only Todd was a Firehouse.com subscriber. Chances are that they may not be aware of this forum. So, I'll include their address below.

Additionally, Todd was the Elkhorn City Area Ambulance Service, EMS Director. These are two separate operations. As such, I'll include their address as well.

F.D. ADDRESS:

ELKHORN CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT
395 PATTY LOVELESS DRIVE
ELKHORN CITY, KENTUCKY 41522


EMS ADDRESS:

ELKHORN CITY AREA AMBULANCE SERVICE
223 W. RUSSELL STREET
ELKHORN CITY, KENTUCKY 41522

Thank you all.

EEResQ
KY