Bill Lower also served as a fire company trustee from 1976 through 1986, and 1992 through 1995.  In 1982, he became Fire Police Chief.  In 1996 the rank was changed to Captain to conform  with Pennsylvania law.  He held that rank until his death.

Bill Lower became a member of the Central District Fireman's Association in 1965.  He was the Alpha Fire Company's delegate to the Central District's annual convention in 1966, 1975, 1981 and 2001. He was also a Pennsylvania State Fire Instructor from 1969 through 1984.  During this time he earned the nickname "Pap" from his many students.

Captain Lower responded to his last alarm in the early morning hours of 
Friday the 7th of September.  His death was caused by acute myocardial 
infarction a few hours after the call.

Bill Lower also belonged to other community service organizations:
 

Captain Lower is survived by his wife, Arlene Anders Lower, two brothers, Carl and Eugene Lower; three sons, Kenneth R. Lower of Brockport, NY, James F. Lower and Steven T. Lower, both of State College.  Six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.   He was preceded in death by his daughter Lori M. Lower and two brothers.  His son Steven is also a member of the Alpha Fire Company and served in different Chief and line officer ranks through the 1990s culminating as Chief of the department in 1997. 

Visitation was held at Kock Funeral Home on Monday the 10th of September with well over 500 in attendees.  The funeral services was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at St. Peter's United Church of Christ.  Burial was in the Pine Hall Cemetery in State College.  Emergency personnel from across central Pennsylvania were in attendance at the funeral.