Paramedic Chief Alan Cowen

Born in Santa Monica, CA, Alan Cowen grew up in Culver City, CA.  He earned his B.A. in Speech from California State University, Northridge.  Later he obtained a B.S. in Biology and a Masters Degree in Education with a specialty in Counseling and Guidance.  Concurrently he was continuing his work in the field of Emergency Medical Services.  In 1974, just 4 years after the Los Angeles City Fire Department took over the Los Angeles Receiving Hospital System, Alan became one of the first field paramedics.  He rapidly rose to Lead Paramedic and in 1980 was promoted to Paramedic Supervisor (Captain).  In 1985 he was promoted to Assistant Commander of the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and in 1987 he was promoted to Chief Paramedic and Commander of the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services.  In 1995 he was promoted to Fire Deputy Chief.  Alan also obtained a DC Degree (Doctor of Chiropractic) and continues to be licensed as a MICP (Mobile Intensive Care Paramedic), as he has for the last 50 years.  He is currently a Professor of Fire Technology at Los Angeles Valley College, where he is the EMT Program Director.