Brenda Cowan

Who was Brenda Cowan?

Brenda Denise Cowan, Lexington, Kentucky's first black female firefighter, died in the line of duty on February 13, 2004. According to Women in the Fire Service, Lieutenant Cowan is the first black female career firefighter ever to die in the line of duty. She had served with the Lexington Fire Department for twelve years. Cowan was the sister of Fred Cowan, a member of University of Kentucky's 1978 national championship basketball team. Cowan was single and had no children.