Spark Spotlight First Responder: Lieutenant Ann Fowler
Originally from Fort Myers, Florida, Lieutenant Ann Fowler was always focused on the traffic-related side of police work. While she says that there were very few women in this field when she entered it, Ann’s military background and ‘bossy’ nature kept her from getting any flack from the men on her team. “I’m a pretty no-nonsense kind of person. You had to learn pretty quick to hold your ground,” she says. Ann took part in creating a specialized DWI task force in Buncombe County. She also got her certification as a Standardized Field Sobriety instructor. She was selected as Drug Recognition Expert Instructor of the Year, as well as receiving a MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Award. After an impressive 25-year career, Ann will retire this December.
1. How long have you been in your position?
I have been a Police Officer with the Asheville Police Department since February 1999. I was promoted to Sergeant in September 2014 and promoted to Lieutenant in September 2020. Before becoming a Police Officer here in Asheville, I served in the US Air Force for four years as a Security Forces Officer (Police Officer).
2. What initially caused you to become interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement?
I have always been athletic, and I wanted a job that was physical and would challenge me. My personality is as a "helper." I enjoy being a problem-solver and helping others with their needs.
3. What is important to you in your job?
It is important to me that I remember who I am and keep a firm grasp on the good in the world and not just the bad. As a police officer, you will see the worst and the best of people within a few hours of each other. On top of that, most of us are Moms/Dads, Partners/Husbands/Wives and Sons/Daughters/Brothers/Sisters; we have to find a balance between not bringing work home and not bringing home to work. Law enforcement has not always been good at helping officers find this balance, but we are getting better now. We have recognized the toll this career takes on lives and personalities. We currently focus on officers' well-being, mental and physical health. The Asheville Police Department has prioritized its officers by implementing a Wellness Program that encompasses mental health, physical health, and nutrition. I am proud to help initiate this program as I work towards my retirement.
4. What is your favorite thing about your job?
I enjoy educating other officers, specifically Physical Fitness Training and Motor Vehicle topics (Crash Investigations and Driving While Impaired Investigations). I have always found interest in investigating Motor Vehicle Collisions. It's like putting a puzzle back together and getting closure/answers for victims in these cases. It is important to me to also prevent these actions by conducting traffic enforcement, education, writing a ticket for a traffic violation, or taking an impaired driver off the road. As an officer, you will never know how many lives you have saved by the job that you do, but you will always remember the ones you do not.
5. What do you recommend to other young women who want to get into law enforcement?
I would recommend this to anyone seeking a career that will challenge them, provide them the opportunity to give back to their community, and give them great pride when they put their uniform on to become a Law Enforcement Officer. Unfortunately, the focus has been on the officers who have failed us, but there is so much more good in this career. I am grateful to have served my community and worked alongside some amazing officers in my 25 years at Asheville Police Department.