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Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Fire Commisioner Thomas Von Essent Announce the Death of Fire Captain Vincent Fowler

Story Updated: Friday, June 4, 1999 – 6 pm

OFFICIAL FDNY PRESS RELEASE E-Mail Minder

Also See: Veteran NYC Captain Dies After Getting Trapped Without Air

Mayor Rudolph W. Guiliani and Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen today announced the death of New York City Fire Captin Vincent Fowler, age 46, a 21-year veteran of the Fire Department, of injuries sustained at a second alarm fire in Queens Thursday night.

Mayor Guiliani said, "All of our thoughts and prayers are with Captain Fowler's family as they go through this terrible ordeal. Captain Fowler was a hero, a truck captain carrying out a search for life in a fire where he made the ultimate sacrifice."

IN MEMORY
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Image 12k
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FDNY Photo via AP
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The FDNY released this undated photograph Fowler, the first NYC firefighter to die while fighting a fire this year and the 771st to die in the line of duty.

"It was a tremendously difficult fire and Captain Fowler applied every ounce of ability and bravery he possessed as he and his team carried out their search even as conditions worsened," said Fire Commissioner Von Essen. "While he and his unit conducted the search, Captain Fowler became trapped among the falling debris and burning rubble. Our entire department mourns his loss and our hearts go out to his family."

The second alarm fire, which broke out in a private dwelling at 150-22 127th Street in the South Ozone Park neighborhood of Queens, took more than 32 units and 121 firefighters almost 90 minutes to bring under control. There were a total of 17 injuries including eight firefighters, 7 EMS personnel and two civilians. One other fire officer has been admitted to New York Cornell Hospital Burn Unit. None of the other injuries are serious.

The son of retired Battalion Chief Vincent Fowler, Captain Fowler joing the Department in 1978. A decorated Officer, he received three commendations in his 21-year career, most recently in January of this year. Two of this brothers are also New York City firefighters, Andrew Fowler of Ladder 133 and John Fowler of Ladder 176.

His wife, Ramona, three daughters, Dina, 21; Amy, 18; and Stephanie; 15, as well as his brothers Andrew and Johgn, another brother Gerald, two sisters, Karen Staab, Ellen Ryan and his parents, Vincent and Dorothy, survive him.

Captain Fowler is the 771st New York City firefighter to die in the line of duty. He is the first firefighter to lose his life during the performance of his duties in 1999.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

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