Capt. Jeff Bowen, 37, a 13-year veteran of the Asheville (NC) Fire Department, was fatally injured late Thursday during a four-alarm fire in a five story medical facility. Seven other firefighters were treated for heat exposure and other injuries.
Bowen, who has been with the department since 1998, went into cardiac arrest after succumbing to the intense smoke and heat at the fire. Firefighter Jay Bettencourt was burned and later transported to the burn center Augusta, Georgia, for treatment. Reports indicated that Bettencourt was in stable condition during the transport.
A report quoted Fire Chief Scott Burnette regarding the loss of Capt. Bowen: "We are devastated by the loss of our brother Jeff," he said. "He dedicated himself to protecting the people of Asheville, and this is a terrible tragedy for our city, for all of us in the Asheville Fire Department, and most importantly, for his wife Stacy. We are praying for her, and offer our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved him as we did. Jeff was a hero whose sacrifice will be forever honored."
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