Professional Fire Fighters of Lowell MA Local 853

We would like to congratulate the following members who are celebrating department anniversaries in the month of August.

LT. Keith Poirier- 26 years
FF Marc Poirier- 22 years
LT. Sean Quealy- 22 years
LT. Christopher Ryder- 22 years
DC James Normandin- 22 years
FF Anthony Sabetti- 22 years
FF Adam Dowling- 19 years
FF Oscar Jimenez- 19 years
Capt. Norman Lyko- 19 years
FF James McNeil- 5 years
FF Michael Carnazzo- 3 years
FF Jason Cote- 3 years
FF Stephen Forslind- 3 years
FF Jose Valentine- 3 years
FF John Wallace- 3 years

Thank you all for your dedication and continued service to the City of Lowell, MA - Government stay safe!

Local 853 has more personnel changes to announce— it’s both the end of an era and the start of a new chapter for the Lowell Fire Department.

After a combined total of nearly 38 dedicated years of service, Lieutenant Eric Seager (31 October 2010 - 29 July 2026 ) and FireFighter Brenda Santos (1 August 2004 - 2 August 2026) have officially retired from the Lowell Fire Department. Their unwavering commitment to our community has left a lasting mark on our Organization and City. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Eric and Brenda for their service and wish them the very best as they embark on this next chapter of their lives.

Along with these retirements, we would like to congratulate FireFighter Tim Savage, on his promotion to Lieutenant (Effective: 29 July 2026).

The consistent dedication, courage, and exceptional skills of Tim throughout his career has earned him this well-deserved promotion. We are confident he will continue to uphold the highest standards of our Department as he assumes this new leadership role.

Local 853 has a bittersweet announcement — it’s both the end of an era and the start of a new chapter for the Lowell Fire Department.

After nearly 24 years of dedicated service, Lieutenant Michael Callahan (23 November 2003 - 11 July 2026) has officially retired from the Lowell Fire Department. His unwavering commitment to our community has left a lasting mark on our Organization and City. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mike for his service and wish him the very best as he embarks on this next chapter.

Along with that retirement, we would like to congratulate FireFighter Buntha Kouy on his promotion to Lieutenant.

The consistent dedication, courage, and exceptional skills of Lt. Kouy throughout his career have earned him this well-deserved promotion. We are confident he will continue to uphold the highest standards of our Department as he assumes this new leadership role.

Yesterday crews from Engine 3 and Ladder 3 responded to the City of Lawrence to help our mutual aid partners Lawrence Firefighters Union - Local 146 with their 5 alarm fire. Crews spent roughly 5 hours helping get the fire under control.

In the midst of chaos, the guys from Engine 3 discovered a cat who had been hiding. Engine 3 was led by Lt. Buntha Kouy who was on his first shift as a newly promoted permanent company officer. Congrats LT!

Great job by all crews involved. We are always happy to help our mutual aid partners when they are in need.

Lawrence Fire Department

Today Engine 3 escorted motorcycle riders out of the City as they went on a benefit ride for injured Chelmsford FireFighter, Nick Spinale. They began their ride at the Lowell Firefighters Club and ventured on a 90 mile ride through Southern New Hampshire. What a great turnout it was and we hope you guys had a great ride! Group 2 on duty.

Chelmsford Firefighters IAFF Local 1839

Today, our Members are out in the streets of Lowell for one of our annual Boot Drives. This time we are collecting donations for the It’s All About the Kids Foundation!

Every child deserves a present to open on Christmas, and this organization is committed to making the holidays as special as possible.

A special shoutout to FF Michael McGuire for collaborating with It’s All About the Kids and organizing this Boot Drive every year. Thank you for your dedication to such an amazing cause!

We would like to recognize and congratulate the following members who are celebrating department anniversaries in the month of the July:

Lt. Richard Latour 27 years
FF Santos Cruz 16 years
FF Michael Dillon 16 years
Lt. Timothy Bugler 16 years
Capt. Michael Ryan 16 years
FF Benjamin Rivera 10 years
FF Glennis Maldonado 10 years
FF Brent Purcell 10 years
FF Ted Choate 10 years
FF Phillip Valliant 10 years
FF Fernando Martinez 10 years
Lt. Eric Olejarz 10 years
FF Vannak Yann 10 years

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to the City of Lowell, MA - Government. We hope for continued healthy and long careers!

Come join us at a Spinners game as we honor and celebrate the first responders of Greater Lowell!

First Responders Night 6/28/26 @ 5:00 PM - First Responders

This Sunday, June 14th, is our annual Firefighter Memorial Sunday ceremony. Please join us downtown to help honor the men and women who dedicated their lives to the fire service and passed away this year. The procession will start at 0900 on Palmer Street, passing City Hall and finishing up at the JFK Civic Center. After the ceremony, Mass will be held on the apparatus floor. We look forward to seeing you all there!

This morning, the Pyne Arts School's Girls on the Run program stopped by the High Street firehouse to drop off cookies and cards. Thank you so much for thinking of us!