SALISBURY — Four firefighters from the Salisbury Fire Department are providing emergency response coverage in Asheville today and Tuesday after the death of a firefighter.
The Asheville Fire Department requested the support following the death of Capt. Jeff Bowen, a 13-year veteran with the Asheville Fire Department.
“By offering this coverage for Asheville, members of their department can pay their last respects to their fallen brother without worry for fire response in their community,” Salisbury Fire Chief Bob Parnell said in a press release.
Bowen died while responding to a four-alarm fire at the Biltmore Avenue Medical Office building in Asheville.
While searching for anyone left inside, Bowen succumbed to smoke and was rushed to the hospital. The tragedy marks the first time in nearly three decades that an Asheville firefighter has fallen in the line of duty.
Two Salisbury firefighters died in March 2008 while battling the Salisbury Millwork blaze.
“As Salisbury has experienced such a tragic loss, our hearts are filled with genuine compassion and sympathy for the Asheville community,” Mayor Susan Kluttz said in a press release. “We are proud to provide the support of our dedicated firefighters during this time.”
Members of the Salisbury Fire Department are humbled and proud to provide the support for their brothers in the Asheville Fire Department, Parnell said.
The four-man volunteer team includes Capt. Mark Thompson, Engineer Tim Grisham, Fire Control Specialist Gray Grubb and Fire Control Specialist Justin McIntyre. They took tools, equipment and a reserve fire truck.
Because the men are off-duty, Salisbury Fire Department’s high level of resources remain intact, Parnell said.
Battalion Chief David Morris coordinated the logistics surrounding the Salisbury Fire Department’s support for Asheville.
“Our volunteer team offers a testimony to the quiet valor, selfless acts and sincere heroism that our Salisbury fire, police, and rescue workers provide to our community each day,” Interim City Manager Doug Paris said.
The Salisbury Fire Department currently operates four fire stations and employs 76 full-time personnel.
The department receives additional support from nine part-time firefighters.