Submitted by his brother

Todd Rowe was a leader in our community throughout his entire life. He devoted every waking moment to community service in hopes that he would make a difference in the lives of others‚ and without a doubt he certainly did. He is truly missed in Elkhorn City‚ KY‚ but his legacy lives as an inspiration to those who knew him and know of him.

Todd was a 20-year member of the Elkhorn City Volunteer Fire Department where he joined as a Junior Firefighter at the age of 10. He loved the fire service and rose through the ranks quickly to become the youngest chief in the department’s long history at the age of 23. He embodied the true spirit of excellence and giving your best.

Todd made being chief of the Elkhorn City Volunteer Fire Department and a member of his community’s emergency service teams a way of life. He lived it and he lived for it every day. Todd had a vision for the fire department and under his tenure as chief the fire department constructed a new building‚ grew its fleet of trucks from 3 to 9‚ grew its membership from 35 to over 50‚ and lowered the ISO insurance rating for its service area from 9 to 4. You could never count all the things he did for his community‚ most of which will never be known‚ because he was self-motivated and would simply take the initiative to do things on his own without asking first or telling afterwards. He did many things ‘behind the scenes‚’ but was always out front leading the way‚ too. He excelled by going the extra mile after the rest had given way. Despite any negativity found in the world Todd chose to make things good! He is definitely missed!

Todd’s many accomplishments and accolades are numerous. He attended college at Eastern Kentucky University where he double-majored in Fire Science and Engineering‚ and Industrial Risk Management. His accomplishments also include: Eagle Scout‚ Chief of Elkhorn City Volunteer Fire Department‚ Past President of the Elkhorn City Area Ambulance Service‚ Public Relations Officer for the Pike County Fire Fighter’s Association‚ in the Fire Chief category he was voted ‘Best in the Valley’ for 3 years by the citizens of Pike County‚ he was also selected as Fire Chief of the Year for 3 different years by the Pike County Fire Fighter’s Association‚ he was a member of the Pike County E-911 Advisory Board‚ member of the Board of Directors for the Elkhorn City Area Ambulance Service‚ a Pike County Deputy Sheriff‚ a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician‚ he was a Master Mason in Jenkins Lodge #856‚ F.&A.M.‚ Jenkins‚ KY‚ a Noble of El Hasa Shrine Temple‚ Ashland‚ KY and the Whitewater Shrine Club‚ Elkhorn City‚ KY‚ a member of the Scottish Rite Valley‚ Covington‚ KY‚ and an employee of American Electric Power.

The Todd Rowe Foundation and the Todd Rowe Memorial Scholarship Fund have both been established in his name. Todd whole-heartedly believed in educating our community about safety and the fire service‚ and these organizations have been established in order to continue his efforts. The primary objective for both of these organizations is to aid and assist young people from our community who are going to college for the first time. In his honor we carry on the legacy of selfless-service forevermore.

Submitted by a friend

Todd became a firefighter at the age of 18 and had been a junior firefighter since the age of 14. At age 23‚ he became Elkhorn City Fire Chief‚ which he served until his untimely death. He was a Kentucky Certified Level 1 And Level 11 Instructor‚ CPR/First Aid Instuctor‚ and Emergency Medical Technician.

He was filled with many accomplishments. He had a passion‚ a calling for the fire service. He gave so much to the community. Todd’s aggressive attitude and dedication helped build a fire department we were all proud of. He was voted as #1 Reader’s Choice as Best in the Valley in 2001‚ 2002‚ and 2004 as best firefighter and department. The Firefighter’s Association named him 2000 Fire Chief of the Year.

He not only served as fire chief. He worked full time at American Electric Power‚ Pike County’s Sheriff Deputy‚ Member of Jenkins Masonic Lodge‚ Eagle Scout‚ member of El Hasa Shrine‚ member of National Rifle Association‚ Public Relations Official for the Pike County Firefighters Association‚ on E-911 Board and member and past president of the Elkhorn City Ambulance Service.

Survived by his mother‚ Susan Emily Rowe; one brother‚ Capt. Robert James Rowe; one aunt‚ Mary Lois Bryant; and one nephew‚ Saulyer Drake Rowe.