The NFHC Remembers Fire Service Leader Frederick “Fred” Brower

The National Fire Heritage Center (NFHC) is saddened to hear of the passing of Frederick Brower, 76, on July 8, 2025. The champion of public fire protection, whose decades of distinguished service left a lasting mark on fire departments, fire education, the insurance industry, and national fire policy. 

Fred’s connection to the fire service ran deep, rooted in a proud family tradition dating back generations in Red Bank, New Jersey, where his great-uncles and uncles once served as fire chiefs. He began his own fire service journey in 1966 with the Newark, NJ, Auxiliary Fire Department, eventually rising to the rank of Battalion Chief and serving faithfully until 1976.

A graduate of the University of Maryland with a degree in Industrial Education and a minor in Fire Protection, Fred quickly became a respected leader in the College Park Volunteer Fire Department, where he rose from Sergeant to Fire Chief over the course of two decades of dedicated service. He also held key leadership roles across Prince George’s County, contributing as Division Chief and as an officer in the Volunteer Chiefs Council.

Professionally, Fred spent four decades at the Insurance Services Office (ISO), where he helped evaluate and shape community fire protection standards nationwide. His work as an engineering representative, regional trainer, and contributor to the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule impacted how fire services are assessed and improved across the country.

Fred’s service was not limited to one department or region—he supported departments in Maryland, New Jersey, and New York, contributed nationally through organizations like NFPA and IAFC, and mentored others in fire protection throughout his post-retirement years. His honors included the ISO Chairman’s Award and Prince George’s County Chief’s Award, and he remained active as a volunteer well into retirement.

In a gesture that speaks volumes about Fred’s commitment to preserving fire protection history, he and his wife, Shirley, generously donated a significant library of fire department and fire protection materials to the NFHC, where he served as a board member.  Their efforts ensured these valuable materials, which he also catalogued, will continue to inform future generations of industry leaders. 

NFHC President Dr. Lynn White shared these thoughts: “Fred Brower was a steward of fire service history.  He was a historian, mentor, educator, leader, and friend. His legacy strengthens the NFHC’s mission. We extend our condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues, and express our deepest gratitude for his life of service.”

Memorial donations honoring Chief Brower’s contributions to the fire service may be made to the National Fire Heritage Center at fireheritageusa.org. The Brower family will be notified of all contributions.

Update on Memorial Service

The memorial service for past College Park Volunteer Fire Department Chief Fred Brower will take place on Saturday, July 19th, 2025, at the University of Maryland Chapel in College Park, MD, located at 7744 Regents Drive, College Park, MD 20742. All uniformed personnel are encouraged to pay your respects in Class A uniform if available. Visitation: 1000-1130Services: 1130-1300

Click this link to read the obituary.