Battalion Chief, San Francisco Fire Department - Appointed to
the Department from the truckman's list, November 6, 1903, age
21 - Assigned to Truck Co. No. 4 - Other assignments as a
fireman: 1905, Engine Co. No. 36, 1910, Truck Co. No. 10 -
Appointed Lieutenant, October 1, 1913 - Assigned to Engine Co.
No. 20 - Appointed Captain, April 1, 1916 - Appointed Battalion
Chief, February 7, 1919 - Retired, March 1944 - Died - 1945
Chief Bowlen followed the footsteps of his father, Thomas, who
was a member of Hose Co. No. 3, 1880 HOW BATTALION CHIEF BOWLEN
STARTED AN INTEREST IN THE HISTORY OF THE S.F.F.D. Three Decades
of Smoke and Flames: When on July 2, 1929, Mill Valley in Marin
County went afire, Battalion Chief Frederick J. Bowlen was
chosen by Acting Chief Engineer Charles J. Brennan to answer
that city's call for aid. Four powerful pumping engines and hose
wagons, together with a chemical fire engine and a crew of 50
officers and men were on their way within 12 minutes after the
call reached San Francisco. F