Dowdell, Kevin

Lt. Kevin Dowdell, Res.4 Kevin was a devoted husband and father. Although he worked two jobs‚ he managed to spend a lot of time with his family and enjoy life. He took great pride in his job and was not considering retiring even though he had 20 years and was eligible. He always said he was a happy lieutenant because he was in Rescue 4. He loved spending his time at the beach surfing with his sons‚ Patrick and James. He also enjoyed listening as Patrick played the bagpipes and James the snare drum. He especially enjoyed going out to dinner in Manhattan with his wife Rose Ellen at the end of a busy work week. Kevin received many citations during his time on the Fire department. He received a medal for his rescue of a woman from a Queens diner after it had exploded and collapsed. He also went to Oklahoma City as a member of FEMA to help in the recovery of victims after the Murrah Federal Building was bombed. Kevin worked hard both as a firefighter and a construction worker. He did this to be sure he could provide a comfortable life for his family and a quality education for his sons. Patrick attends the United States Military Academy at West Point. James attends Iona College in New Rochelle. He was a great role model for his sons and others who. witnessed his bravery‚ integrity‚ and selflessness. – Rose Ellen Dowdell