by Corey Nadeau

Each year, the International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 853 out of Lowell teams up with Kids in Disability Sports (K.I.D.S.) for a fun basketball game.

K.I.D.S. Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides individuals with special needs a chance to get involved, learn new skills, and make lasting connections.

The Lowell Fire Department is just one of many organizations that supports K.I.D.S., but it’s one of their founding and longest-running partners. In fact, this year, LFD celebrates their 30th year of collaboration with the organization.

Back in 1995, my father, (RET.) Lt. Norm Nadeau, organized the first LFD v. KIDS basketball game and kept the program going until he retired in 2014. Upon retirement, Norman passed the torch to one of his firefighters, FF Kevin Foote. Then, in 2023, I took over the program once I got on the job.

This event has become a tradition that the K.I.D.S., their families, and our Firefighters look forward to every year.

This year’s game takes place at the Bailey School (175 Campbell Dr Lowell, MA 01851), Saturday March 1st at 10 a.m.

After the game, there will be a ceremony, and then the firefighters will hang out with the KIDS and let them check out the department’s fire trucks.