Emergency responders in Buffalo, Iowa mourn the loss of one of their most important members. Buffalo Fire Department’s Administrative Captain Nick Sowells passed away on Tuesday at 43.
“He loved hard and he lived softly,” said Buffalo Firefighter Ted Teel. “And I think that he put that love into this community.”
Buffalo police officers say he was a beacon of hope during tough calls.
“The police department is usually the first on any medical or fire call,” said Buffalo Police Sergeant Rich Aleksiejczyk. “It makes us feel absolutely reassured when nick would arrive on a scene. He was the one that would help you get it right.”
Sowells served in the fire department for more than 20 years, and took on many roles. Most recently he served as treasurer and handled the department’s paperwork, in addition to heading out to calls. He was known for often being the first on a scene.
“As a city loss for any volunteer firefighter,” said Buffalo Mayor Sally Rodriguez. “To lose someone, it’s just a big void.”
For a small town like Buffalo, most everyone saw him. Either at a fire, running the yearly fireworks show, or just out and about.
“He is also one of my regular customers,” said Jen Mizer, a friend of Nick’s. “I run the Shell gas station in town. And I see him every morning. Crabby Nick, happy Nick, sleepy Nick.”
Mizer was one of his neighbors and a volunteer at the fire station.
“I have his obituary hanging up in the store,” said Mizer. “Every morning I unlock the doors. ‘Good morning my friend’ and I go about my day.”
A fellow firefighter says he was the fun uncle for the younger members. He was also a devoted friend.
“He married my wife and I,” said Teel. “Three years ago. Right down here on the beach. He was our minister. Above and beyond that, he was a fantastic friend and I will forever be thankful that I could call him my friend.”
His friends and family say his quiet strength will not be forgotten.
“I’m going to miss him,” said Teel. “We’re going to miss him. The town’s going to miss him.”
Buffalo Fire Department members say they will hold a remembrance for him later next month.
