September 3, 2026, Seward Folly by Mark Beals

The Lowell Point Volunteer Fire Department has received a training grant from the Leary Foundation, the only U.S. foundation that funds equipment, vehicles, education, training, and technology for firefighters nationwide. The Leary Firefighters Foundation was established in 2000 by actor Denis Leary in response to a tragic fire in Worcester, Massachusetts, that claimed the lives of his cousin, a childhood friend, and four other brave firefighters. 

Photos of a pump operator training. Photos by Mark Beals

The training will consist of two courses for the six Eastern Kenai Peninsula Fire Departments and is instructed by Henry Lovett, a nationally recognized instructor with Task Force Tips and Water Supply Innovations. 

The first course, offered September 19th and 20th, is Pump Operator 1, an entry-level course on the operation of fire pumps and part of the Professional Qualifications for Driver/Operator of fire apparatus.  This is an introductory fire pump course designed to give new and old pump operators practical hands-on training from basic handline operations, calculating multiple handlines, to heavy water hookups supplying aerials to master streams. 

The second course, offered September 26th and 27th, covers Rural Water Supply Operations and is also part of the Professional Qualifications for Driver/Operator of fire apparatus. This interactive course is designed to provide a greater understanding of rural water supply operations faced in the rural communities outside of Seward and the effects on fire attack operations. 

Each course is 20 hours over the weekend with classroom and practical field work. 

The local Phoenix Firefighting Association and Fire Engineering Books are also supporting the course by providing each student and department with the “Water Supply Bundle” of books for students to take back to their department to share the information.   

The course has benefited tremendously from the generous support of several outstanding local businesses and organizations. The Odom Corporation, Major Marine Tours, Seward Hospitality Group, UAF Seward Marine Center, and the dedicated teams at the Seward & Bear Creek Fire Departments have all played roles in making this program possible. 

For more information, contact your local Fire Department or Mark Beals, RN/EMT and Engineer with the LPVFD at (907) 362-1213.