The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) recently had the honor of conducting a Staff Ride in Asheville, North Carolina, in memory of fallen Asheville Fire Department Captain Jeffrey Bowen. This deeply moving and educational event brought participants to the site of the tragic fire at 445 Biltmore Avenue that claimed Captain Bowen’s life on July 28, 2011.
Staff Rides are powerful tools designed to help firefighters and leaders better understand the events and decisions that led to a line-of-duty death (LODD). These immersive experiences go far beyond what can be learned from reading a report. At key points during the staff ride, participants pause at significant locations to hear firsthand accounts and facilitated insights into the choices made, challenges faced, and actions taken during the incident.
The event culminates in a reflective session where organizational changes made in the wake of the tragedy are shared, along with emotional impact statements from those who lived through the event. Participants are asked a pivotal question: “What are you taking back with you?” The answers to that question often carry lasting personal and professional meaning.
We are deeply grateful to retired Fire Chief Scott Burnette, Fire Chief Mike Cayse, and the entire Asheville Fire Department for their generosity, transparency, and courage in revisiting such a painful chapter. Their willingness to answer every question and share intimate details of that day provides invaluable lessons to all who serve.
Additional thanks to NFFF Local Assistance State Team (LAST) Coordinator Ian Bennett, Asheville Fire Department’s Deputy Chief Chris Budzinski, and Assistant Chief Jeremy Knighton for their support and dedication in making this staff ride possible.
Thank you for helping us honor the memory and sacrifice of Captain Jeffrey Bowen. His legacy lives on in every lesson learned and, in every life, protected through continued education and reflection.
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