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.
9 responses to “Kevin Howe Keeps Lowell Traveling Safely”
Both Kevin and Andy are great guys. Thank you both for your dedication.
Well if these are ones come down chapel street there bunch idiots they did terrible plow job only reason cleaned well we had people we know plow cuz was such a mess wen my neighbor outside shoveling he recently had transplant wile he was shoveling plow jus slammed by us out here shoveling put all snow we worked hard shovel put huge mountain snow along us almost Knowles my neighbor to ground no apology nothing
Thanks to the young plow drivers (Red truck and blue truck) assigned to West street, they were very helpful and kind!
The men & women in the Department of Public Works in ALL the cities and towns, are the UNSUNG HEROES!!! They ALL work behind the scenes ensuring that our collective communities get to continue functioning, and in VERY challenging situations,24/7!!! THANK YOU ALL!!!
Thank you to Kevin and all our plow drivers who have worked around the clock through every storm this winter. Your dedication, long hours and commitment to keeping our streets safe and have not gone unnoticed. I truly appreciate the effort.
Just want to say THANKS for the commitment to excellence!Keep up the good work!
Great Kid
Kevin is the man. Hard work pays off. Good job!
Fantastic job Kevin I couldn’t be more proud of you.