Bowling Green Fire Department honors fallen and retired members

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Bowling Green Fire Department hosted a paver ceremony Wednesday to honor fallen and retired firefighters who served the Bowling Green and Warren County communities.

The ceremony took place at Fire Station 7 on Lovers Lane, where engraved pavers were placed around the department’s firefighter memorial monument.

Each paver features the name and message of a firefighter and serves as a lasting tribute to the sacrifice, dedication and service of those who made an impact on the community.

“We must not forget that someone pays the price to serve,” said Bowling Green Fire Chief Justin Brooks. “It’s important for us as a fire department family to support one another and remember the legacy left behind because it’s worth remembering.”

Brooks also reflected on the firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

“Captain Terry Bucklew, Captain Jim Donnelly and Firefighter Kyle Hendrick paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Brooks said. “Their memory motivates us to take this job seriously and continue honoring the responsibility that comes with serving our community.”

Organizers say the memorial monument, dedicated in 2022, represents years of vision and hard work from both current and retired firefighters.

The monument was designed and built by Bowling Green firefighters to honor the tradition and sacrifice of the department.