The ribbon has been cut and the newest school in Fayette County is ready to welcome students on the first day of classes Wednesday. Flanked by firetrucks, an American flag flying high and a host of city officials and first responders, Brenda Cowan Elementary School opened.
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton was at the ceremony and said “The children who will walk into this school on Wednesday were not born when Brenda Cowan lost her life in 2004 in the line of duty. But she can still teach them a lot about life, about opportunity and about service and about honor.”
Brenda Cowan was the first black female firefighter in Lexington and was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance call. Rachel Moxley, Brenda Cowan’s first cousin spoke on behalf of the Cowan family at Monday’s event. “We are so so grateful and thankful. The outpouring of love and the tribute honoring our cousin and our family member is overwhelming.”
The school’s mascot is a Dalmatian, also a tribute to the fire department. Two Dalmatians will be on campus every day serving as therapy dogs.