Firefighter killed in line of duty remembered

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Eleven years ago on Friday the thirteenth, Brenda Cowan, Lexington’s first African-American female firefighter was shot while rendering aid to a shooting victim. 

Cowan’s name can be found on the Monument to the Fallen memorial in downtown Lexington at Phoenix Park.  That monument was built following the death of another fire fighter, Chuck Williams II, a second generation fireman who died fighting a fire on Lexington’s south side at only 29 years old.

Every February, Lexington firefighters pay tribute to their fallen.  On Monday, at 9 a.m., a wreath will be placed at the base of the monument as a remembrance of their service and sacrifice.