LOWELL – Lowell Streets Division General Foreman Kevin Howe worked 33 hours straight during the City’s first major storm earlier this month. This past Monday, he worked 24 hours straight during the blizzard.
And he did it all without coffee.
“I just like my job,” Howe said this week, when asked what keeps him going during overtime storm hours. “I like being involved in the city. I like being able to help people. It’s nice to hear the residents that notice we try to make a difference.”
Howe drinks mostly seltzer water now that his coffee days are over. He swore off caffeine to improve his health after his young daughters were born.
He lives with his wife Jolene, a 3 ½-year-old daughter, and an 8-month-old daughter. Jolene holds down the fort for the family while Howe is working overtime.
Howe has worked for the Department of Public Works Street Division for 12 years, eight as a plow driver and four as a general foreman, overseeing plow drivers and spotters during major storms like the blizzard.
He oversees a crew that fills potholes and maintains city streets when the weather isn’t demanding overtime.
Howe said the biggest challenge that plow crews face comes from those who throw snow back into the street after plow trucks have passed. That activity requires plows to make additional passes around the city to get streets clean.
In addition to putting in long hours when city residents are in need, Howe also helps with snow removal, and preparation for community events, such as WinterFest, which is being held Saturday.
His dedication to his job and the City of Lowell is just one story of the Lowell DPW.
Please stay tuned for more stories of the DPW workers who keep our city running.
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