UK Alumna, Fallen Firefighter Brenda Cowan's Legacy Lives on

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 27, 2019) — It's a thought-provoking question ⁠— what does it mean to leave behind a lasting legacy?

We all want to leave our mark on this world — to know that our life mattered.

How will you be revered and remembered? How will you make a lasting impact? How will you contribute to future generations?

If there's one person who lived the way she wanted to be remembered, it was University of Kentucky alumna Brenda Cowan.

To appreciate her legacy, you have to understand how she built it.

Let's go back to January of 1983. Betty Lorch was three years into her career as an assistant professor in the University of Kentucky Department of Psychology. She led a required class that most psychology majors find particularly challenging — Applications of Statistics in Psychology.

In an effort to keep the class size relatively small, there were about 35 students taking the course that semester.

But one stood out.

"My first impression of Brenda was the positive, attentive expression on her face — from her very first day in the class," Lorch said.

As the semester progressed, the material became more difficult. Most students struggled with the coursework. But Cowan persisted and encouraged others to do the same.

"Brenda persisted with patience and good humor that helped everyone improve their understanding," Lorch recalled. "I remember that class as one that had a cooperative dynamic, and Brenda was a key figure in helping to 'lift' all the students. She truly was an asset to the class."

Cowan's sheer will to succeed was equally contagious as her kind-hearted personality. It's been more than 35 years since she was in that statistics course, but Lorch has an image of the bright-eyed student that never fades.

"Her smile seemed to welcome everyone and include everyone. Her smile was not just on her lips but was evident in her eyes and revealed both her positive attitude to learning and her engagement with those around her."

Cowan was best described as a bright light ⁠— a light that extinguished far too soon.

In 1985, Cowan graduated from UK with a bachelor's degree in psychology. She would continue to be a trailblazer — becoming Lexington's first black female firefighter.

Over the next 12 years, Cowan courageously put the lives of those in the community before her own. Her selflessness didn't go unnoticed. Cowan continued to climb the ladder and was promoted to lieutenant in 2004.

A committed member of Engine 18, Cowan would often say, "I’m an ordinary person doing an extraordinary job."  

“Brenda was deeply devoted to our community,” Kristin Chilton, chief of the Lexington Fire Department, said. “She was a hard worker with strong Christian values that served as the foundation for her willingness to be the first one to help people."

One week after Cowan's promotion, her crew responded to a domestic violence call. As a trained EMT, Cowan jumped into action. While on the scene, shots rang out.

On Feb. 13, 2004, Cowan died in the line of duty as a result of a gunshot wound to the chest.

Fifteen years later — pain remains. But there's also an overwhelming sense of pride. Together, the university and the city are dedicated to keeping Cowan's spirit alive.

“Even in death, Brenda continues to positively impact our lives because the tragic events of that day prompted many positive changes in firefighter safety that are still in effect today,” Chilton said.

In addition to changes in safety protocol, the largest elementary school in Fayette County now proudly bears her name. Brenda Cowan Elementary, located on Athens-Boonesboro Road, opened its doors to students this August.

"We are truly honored to have our school named after Brenda," Joshua Williams, principal of Brenda Cowan Elementary, said. "We had the distinct privilege of being able to meet with her family and friends. They all talked about how she loved children and supported education."

Naming the school after Cowan is a reminder for the community — her service had an immense impact. But Williams also wants to instill in his students the values Cowan lived by each and every day. He hopes they will embrace what makes them different, discover what they are passionate about and take action to make their dreams come true.

"We have four pillars. Our pillars are arts integration, the third-grade reading pledge, global competency and service leadership. We have service leadership in honor of Brenda," Williams said. "That's the way we hope her legacy lives on."

How will you be remembered?

To this day, Cowan is still described as having radiated honor and pride.

Just as she had inspired those students in a relatively small statistics class three decades ago, she will continue to influence a new generation of students for years to come.

"Brenda continues to remind me of the value of the combination of grit and compassion, which is much more than either by itself," Lorch explained. "Brenda’s grit helped her achieve her status in the Lexington Fire Department, but the addition of her compassion helped her to serve all the people of her community so well."