http://www.pagosasun.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/obit-rohwer-IMG_9148-179x300.jpgThe Farmington Fire Fighters Association, International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2850, invites the community to the dedication ceremony of the Shadd Rohwer Memorial on Saturday, May 19, at Rocky Reach Landing in Animas River Park. The dedication will begin at 4 p.m.
Rohwer was a lieutenant with the Farmington Fire Department and succumbed to his battle with cancer surrounded by his family and friends on Jan. 11, which was his 19th anniversary with the fire department. Rohwer was diagnosed with job related cancer in June 2015; his death qualifies as a Line of Duty Death.
While serving with the Farmington Fire Department, Rohwer was a member of the department’s Technical Rescue Team, Wildland Team, Surface Water Oil Spill Emergency Response Team (SWOSER) and Engineer Committee. Rohwer was also a Rescue 3 International Instructor and a member of the New Mexico Urban Search and Rescue Team; he was deployed following Hurricane Katrina for his specialty training and skills.
Rohwer also taught and worked for Arroyo Rescue and was a avid outdoorsman and outdoor enthusiast. He spent many days playing on the river and sharing his passion for whitewater and teaching water rescue in this very location. His legacy will live on through those he whom he taught and rafted.
“This memorial will be a lasting memory to represent our friend and brother in a place he was most passionate about.” said Travis Robinson, President of the Farmington Firefighters Association. “This memorial was constructed by his friends and co-workers, and we are extremely thankful for the outpouring of community support.”
Cancer is now the leading cause of death for firefighters, who face increased risks of certain type of cancers that are directly linked to fire suppression activities.
