09/03/2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters at Bowmansville Volunteer Fire Association as they mourn the loss of active firefighter Ray Hartel.
It is with profound sadness that the Bowmansville Vol. Fire Association announces the tragic passing of Raymond “Ray” Hartel. Ray was 70 years old and was a 49-year active member of our Association.
Ray was a part of the fabric of Bowmansville where he served as President, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Captain, Lieutenant, Foreman, EMS Captain and EMS Lieutenant. During his time he worked on our LOSAP committee, was Chairman of our 1996 Heavy Rescue Truck, was on the Committee for our 1999 E-One Pumper, was on the Annual Fund Drive Committee as well as Scholarship Committee, Town Contract Committee, Constitution and By Laws Committee, Telethon Committee, Family Picnic Committee and Holiday Parties Committees. He was a proud member of the BVFA Softball team for many years and his contributions to our organization are far more than could ever be listed.
As a current EMT he was a regular Top 10 responder and had been for the majority of his years. There wasn’t a day that went by where he wasn’t at Station 1 working on something for our Association. Ray was awarded Fire Fighter of the Year and was awarded the Howard Scrace Award on multiple occasions. The Howard Scrace Award is the highest award given at Bowmansville.
Ray will be remembered for so much and was an integral part of making our organization function on a day-to-day basis. Whenever anyone needed anything, they knew to start with Ray. Ray was Bowmansville. He wore the name proudly and while he didn’t enjoy the spotlight he was always doing anything and everything he could for the members and families of Bowmansville. Most of all, Ray will be remembered as a brother to us.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ray and his loved ones. Rest easy Ray, we’ll take it from here!
