Vincent G. Fowler

Captain Fowler and a probationary firefighter were searching for victims and fire in the basement of an occupied residential structure. The basement was extremely congested with furniture, newspapers, magazines, and other items. Water had been applied to the fire and it appeared to be under control. The low air alarms on Captain Fowler’s SCBA and the probationary firefighter’s SCBA were sounding. Captain Fowler delayed his own exit from the basement as he called for and accounted for his probationary firefighter and he ran out of air. Captain Fowler and the probationary firefighter buddy breathed until Captain Fowler collapsed. The probationary firefighter dragged Captain Fowler until he was joined by other firefighters. Due to the congested conditions in the basement, it took an extended period of time for Captain Fowler to be removed from the building. Captain Fowler died the next day on June 4, 1999. The cause of death was listed as smoke inhalation with carbon monoxide inhalation. Captain Fowler’s carbon monoxide level was 60%.