Kevin Dowdell Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

On Time When It Mattered
It's a slow day in superhero land. So Kevin Dowdell docks the fireboat, and, dressed in firefighter regalia, clumps over to the Mercantile Exchange. He waves proudly from the visitors' window to his teenage sons on the floor, wearing ties for their summer jobs. Patrick! James!

Then the job calls. So Lieutenant Dowdell of Rescue Company 4, Queens — trained to use roof ropes and scuba gear, to handle hazardous materials, wiggle into confined spaces — sprints into action, with a relaxed head and a racing heart. He loves rescue work so much he chooses not to try for captain, so he won't be transferred. "Rather be a happy lieutenant," he tells RoseEllen, his wife of 21 years. He has a bravery medal and 20 citation bars.

To support the family, the happy lieutenant, 46, works days off, sanding floors. When his boys start playing bagpipes and snare, he practices with them, whomping a bass. More time with the boys, plus he gets to march in the parade, wearing his kilt.

Only one thing about RoseEllen's best friend drives her nuts: first to a fire, last to a social event. "You don't know what would have happened if we left on time," retorts the happy lieutenant, a born talker. "We could have gotten into an accident!"

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We visited 9/11 memorial garden a few years ago - as we walked towards the fountains and stood in silence with the memory of that tragic event! We looked down to see the name Kevin Christopher Dowdell! My husband was with me and we felt a shiver go through us, my husbands name is Kevin Chris Lowdell and we are from England!
I took a photograph of Kevin's name plaque and felt the need to read up on this hero of a man who gave his life !
Our hearts go out to all his family and...

Jill Lowdell

September 26, 2023 | England | Friend

To a true hero, who's memory will always be there for everyone to see! The true courage and inspiration from Lt. Dowdell is truly something to behold! My thoughts and prayers to his family!

September 11, 2023

Remembering Kevin on the 20th anniversary of 9/11....

Cindy Roe

September 08, 2021 | Galesburg, MI

I was in New York last week for the very first time. The most important thing to me on this trip was to see the 9/11 memorial that was lead by volunteers. When we walked over to the names of the victims I put my hand in the water and washed it over the name Kevin Christopher Dowdell. I felt a connection and knew when I got home to Vancouver that I wanted to find out more about this person. I want to express my sincere thoughts to you and your family. I am so sad for your loss and listening...

Jeannie Moss

July 28, 2015 | Burnaby, BC

Coach Chris Dowdell:

I am now grieving Kevin along with my dad who passed away 2 weeks ago.

Love,

Howie Safran - Mullen High former student

Howard Safran

January 07, 2014 | Aurora, CO

Thank you for lending me your courage and strength today.

G Bryan

November 13, 2013 | TX

To The Family of Kevin Dowdell
We recently had the honor to meet with and experience seeing Rescue #4&5.This was due to our son loosing his life on March 4th 2012 fighting a fire in our local town.The Remembrance Rescue Project provided assitance to his wife & his 3 young sons and we all attended a ceremony in Deforest ,Wis were Rescue 4 was part of their local Fire Department's Annual Celebration.Since I have read more about and become more aware of all the Heros of...

August 07, 2012

You are still in my prayers, you are a hero, I will remember you always from my days when I visited Breezy Point as a young girl, learning to surf, I did it because of you! You made the ultimate sacrifice that awful day and I will never forget you.God Bless you always.

Taylor Henry

September 11, 2011 | Boca Raton, FL

Margaret Thorsen

September 02, 2011 | Cabot, AR

Lt. Kevin Dowdell

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