Houston Fire Department 1979 - 2009
29 years, 3 months, 15 days
Line of Duty Death on Easter Sunday
Captain at Station #26


At a one alarm house fire just after midnight
firefighters were fighting the fire. The homeowners had made it out safely. The fire intensified and a call was made for the firefighters to clear the house. Captain Harlow and Firefighter Damien Hobbs did not make it out.


Husband of 29 years to Debbie Harlow. Father of Brandy Rooth, James Harlow, Jr., and Travis Harlow. Father-in-law of Brandy's husband Ron, James' wife Jessica, and Travis' wife Amber. Grandfather of Avery, Darrah, Payton and Karrah. Son of James and Virginia Harlow. Brother of Terri Perricone, Christie Harlow and David Harlow. Brother-in-law of Terri's husband Phillip, and David's wife Pam.

At his memorial service his family was presented with his posthumous awards; the Medal of Honor from the Houston Fire Department and the Medal of Honor form the International Association of Firefighters.

During one of the worst disasters Houston has seen, Hurricane Ike, Harlow made the effort to come to work. Barely making it to the fire station that morning he prevailed remarking to his men he had no idea how he had made it. He was affectionately known as "Captain Hogleg" by the men at his station. Known for his chicken and dumplings, chicken and rice, and hog leg, and always having a smile on his face, he will never be forgotten. He loved sports and was a fisherman and hunter.

Houston Fire Department 1979 - 2009
29 years, 3 months, 15 days
Line of Duty Death on Easter Sunday
Captain at Station #26


At a one alarm house fire just after midnight
firefighters were fighting the fire. The homeowners had made it out safely. The fire intensified and a call was made for the firefighters to clear the house. Captain Harlow and Firefighter Damien Hobbs did not make it out.


Husband of 29 years to Debbie Harlow. Father of Brandy Rooth, James Harlow, Jr., and Travis Harlow. Father-in-law of Brandy's husband Ron, James' wife Jessica, and Travis' wife Amber. Grandfather of Avery, Darrah, Payton and Karrah. Son of James and Virginia Harlow. Brother of Terri Perricone, Christie Harlow and David Harlow. Brother-in-law of Terri's husband Phillip, and David's wife Pam.

At his memorial service his family was presented with his posthumous awards; the Medal of Honor from the Houston Fire Department and the Medal of Honor form the International Association of Firefighters.

During one of the worst disasters Houston has seen, Hurricane Ike, Harlow made the effort to come to work. Barely making it to the fire station that morning he prevailed remarking to his men he had no idea how he had made it. He was affectionately known as "Captain Hogleg" by the men at his station. Known for his chicken and dumplings, chicken and rice, and hog leg, and always having a smile on his face, he will never be forgotten. He loved sports and was a fisherman and hunter.