Patrolman John H. Dowies

As a young teen, officer Dowies went out of his way while on patrol in Yelm and gave me and my buddy a ride home three miles outside of Yelm . Just past where another recently fallen officer resided. I had the opportunity later to work with John's son Ira ,working on a control ed wildfire on werhauser land. I witnessed Ira rush through the flames and rescue a fawn seperated from its mother inside the fire line. He came back running through smoke and flames carrying the Bambi in his arms to safety. Which I believe shows that in the Dowries family the apple did not fall far from the tree. Although some thought it was a little foolish I came to admire the compassion and courage that young man had shown that day.

Noel f Thompson
worked with Nelson's forestry crew at that time

January 17, 2018