Our condolences to the Cowan family and the Lexington Division of
Fire and Emergency Services of Kentucky. Lieutenant Brenda Cowan,
40, a 12 year veteran of the Lexington Division of Fire and Emergency
Services died Friday February 13, 2004. Brenda and another firefighter
were struck by gunfire while attending to a female gunshot victim.
Both firefighters were airlifted to University of Kentucky Hospital
where Brenda died shortly after. The other firefighter, Jim Sanford,
was listed in stable condition.
Brenda was the first African American female firefighter in Lexington.
She had just been promoted to Lieutenant last week and was working
her first day as an officer when the tragedy occurred.
A visitation will be held for Brenda on Tuesday February 17, 2004 5-9PM
and Wednesday February 18, 2004 10AM-noon. A funeral will be held for
Brenda on Wednesday February 18, 2004 noon at Consolidated Baptist
Church in Lexington. A burial will be held on Thursday February 19, 2004
at New Salem Baptist Cemetery in Sturgis.
