Fire prevention (and fighting) was Dave Bowen’s life, so when the Town of Clifton Park and the Vischer Ferry Fire Department decided to dedicate the town’s Fire Prevention Bus in Bowen’s memory, it was a fitting tribute.
When we were discussing what we could do to honor Dave, we couldn’t think of a better example of what he has meant to this community than this Fire Prevention Bus that is an educational tool for so many kids throughout the years, said Supervisor Phil Barrett. `It’s a small token of our appreciation.`
The bus was dedicated to Bowen during a ceremony on Saturday, May 7, attended by a group of firefighters, town officials, family members and friends, which reflected the impact Bowen had on his community.
`Dave was a pioneer and leader in starting a fire prevention program at Shenendehowa schools and he would volunteer his time to the town through the bus to continue his fire prevention education back to the community, during the summer program, the Fourth of July celebration,` said Sheryl Reed, fire marshal.
Reed said Bowen’s motto said it all.
`If he could get one message to one child and save their life, it was all worth it to him,` said Reed.
At the ceremony, Barrett sang the National Anthem, Bowen’s granddaughters helped raised the flag and his daughter’s thanked the town and fire department for the dedication, saying it fit perfectly with how he felt about fire prevention.
Bowen was a member of the Vischer Ferry Fire Company for 38 years and played a big part in creating the 33-year-old Shenendehowa Fire Prevention Program taught in schools throughout the district.
Bowen investigated and acquired the materials necessary for the program and developed the core curriculum that’s still used today and what started off as a Vischer Fire Company program was expanded to include other fire companies in the town. Bowen ordered hats, coloring books and escape plan handouts to teach students and recruited and organized teams to teach the program.
When the Fire Prevention Bus was created four years ago as a mobile classroom, Bowen volunteered his time manning it. The bus’ interior was removed and mocked up to look like three household rooms with fire prevention tips in each. It’s not uncommon to see the bus at nearly every town event with children and adults touring it to learn fire prevention tips in an interactive way.
`After his passing, the Vischer Ferry Fire Department approached the town board and asked if there was something the town could do,` said Reed. `Phil Barrett felt that because he was a big part of the bus, it was only appropriate to dedicate the bus in his memory.`
Bowen also served on the town’s Emergency Services Advisory board for 20 years and in 2008, was named Fire Safety Educator of the Year by the Firefighter’s Association of New York State.
The Fire Prevention Bus is now officially dedicated to Bowen, with a plaque above the back door.
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