Hundreds pay respects to Welland Fire Captain Craig Bowman

Welland community joined hundreds of firefighters and other emergency responders at a funeral for a well-known and well-liked firefighter who died last week.

Many are hoping the death of Captain Craig Bowman will lead to changes that could benefit firefighters across Canada.

Hundreds of firefighters lined the Main Street of Welland to pay their respects to Bowman from across Ontario and some from Buffalo, New York.

A fire truck carried the coffin and Bowman’s wife and children to the Welland arena for the funeral.

He was remembered as a remarkable person dedicated to helping others and being a firefighter. His Fire Department Platoon Chief said he was the best rookie he’d ever had.

His wife Alisen said she was heartbroken over his death but grateful for their years together.

As a veteran firefighter, Bowman died of esophageal cancer, which is common among firefighters.

But he was denied worker’s compensation benefits because he was a firefighter for 23 years. Benefits for that type of occupational illness require 25 years.

Bowman’s daughter Alexis vowed to battle for the health and safety of other firefighters.
Bowman’s Chief is talking about things like improved procedures and safety measures that could help firefighters across the country.

At the same time, the MPP for the Welland Area, Jeff Burch, is calling on the Ontario government to change the workplace safety law so that firefighters like Bowman qualify for WSIB benefits.