Line of Duty Deaths Database

Craig C. Bowman
Name
Craig C. Bowman
Local
L0481, Welland
Gender
Male
Age
47
District
13
Occupation
Captain
Type of Duty
Fire Suppression
Fatal Injury Cause
Contact/Exposure - Smoke/Toxic Fire Prod.
Nature of Fatal Injury
Cancer - Esophageal
Date of Death
5/21/2023
Year Placed On Wall
2024
Multiple Line of Duty Incident
No information available
Name
City/State
Date
Summary
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Website Comments
It is with deepest regret and sorrow that we report the line-of-duty death of Captain Craig C. Bowman, IAFF 13th District Local 481, Welland, Ontario. Brother Bowman, 47, passed away on May 21, 2023, after succumbing to occupational cancer.

Visitation will be held on Mon., May 29, 2023, from 1-4 p.m. and from 6-9 p.m. with a Firefighter Walk Through at 7 p.m. at the Pleasantview Funeral Home, 2000 Merrittville Hwy, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E6; phone: (905) 892-1699. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. on Tues., May 30, 2023, at The Welland Arena, 501 King St., Welland, ON L3B 3K4; phone: (905) 735-1700.

Expressions of sympathy and condolences for the local or the family can be sent to IAFF Local 481, 636 King St., Welland, ON L3B 3L1
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Biographical Comments
Craig’s career began in 2002 with the Welland Fire Department Local 481. He is remembered as a Captain who conveyed a sense of comfort and confidence in the firefighters who were assigned to his crew. His unwavering courage is matched by the ferocity of his care and competence. These qualities are not only a reflection of his profession; they are the core of his character which made him born for the career he proudly pursued and succeeded in. Everyone who worked with “Opie” will be a better firefighter for having that privilege, in turn creating a better and safer city to live in. Tragically he succumbed to an occupational illness, a silent battle fought by many fire fighters. He made this ultimate sacrifice giving his life in the line of duty – serving his community selflessly until the very end.

Craig’s passion for the fire service was only matched by his love for hockey, he shared this passion with his son coaching the Thorold Blackhawks. Craig was instrumental in the creation of the Welland Firefighter Hockey team.
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