Honoring a fallen firefighter

STAFF WRITER

ELKHORN CITY - Hundreds of firefighters from across Kentucky poured into Elkhorn City Wednesday to pay their last respects to a local firefighter killed in the line of duty.

Todd Rowe, the 30-year-old chief of the Elkhorn City Fire Department, died in a Dec. 23 accident while putting snow chains on a fire truck during a training exercise.

More than 500 people attended his funeral, held in the Elkhorn City Elementary School gymnasium, with roughly half wearing police, fire and rescue uniforms.

"I never thought this day would come so soon," said Rowe's brother Robbie, who flew home from a military station in South Korea to attend the funeral.

Robbie Rowe spoke from a podium behind his brother's casket, which was covered in firefighting images and flanked by flags, equipment and dozens of floral arrangements.

Rowe spoke about how his brother had spent so much of his time volunteering for the fire department and other organizations.

"His life was dedicated to loving us - all of us," Robbie Rowe said.

"Todd believed in service - he believed in it with all his heart."

Robbie Rowe said his brother Todd was a remarkable young man who was honest, knew to do the right thing and could solve any problem.

"Our fallen comrade has inspired all of us to be better men and women," he said.

Chaplain David Peters said Rowe encouraged the other firefighters, always pushing them to accomplish more.

And Elkhorn City Mayor Hank Salyer credited Rowe, who he called a friend, with helping the fire department grow under his leadership.

"Todd's aggressive attitude and dedication helped build a fire department we can all be proud of," Salyer said.

"Todd was a hands-on leader."

Rowe had been the fire chief for seven years and had presided over a period where the fire department grew to about 50 members with six fire trucks and a larger building.

Rowe began volunteering as a high school student and had been a full member of the Elkhorn City Fire Department since he turned 18. He also worked full-time for American Electric Power.

Rowe also served on the Elkhorn City Ambulance Service, as a past president, and as the public relations officer for the Pike Firefighters Association.

When the accident happened, Rowe was raising the fire truck with several three-foot-square inflatable rubber cushions so snow chains could be put on the rear tires.

A wedge that prevents the tires from rolling came loose and caused the truck to roll forward. That caused the air bags to shift with the force of the truck and strike Rowe in the head, killing him.

Staff Writer Rachel C. Stanley can be reached via e-mail at rstanley@news-expressky.com.