Forrest Kuiper named acting UAF fire chief
Aug. 6, 2021
Battalion Chief Forrest Kuiper has been named acting fire chief of the University of ½ûÂþÌìÌÃFairbanks Fire Department after Chief Doug Schrage’s recent departure. Kuiper will remain acting fire chief until a successful recruitment is completed.
Kuiper has been working in the fire service since 1997 when he started working at UAF as a student firefighter. He became an auxiliary firefighter in 2000, then worked as a safety officer at UAF Codes and Safety until 2003.
In spring 2004, Kuiper began his full-time career position as a captain with the University Fire Department. He was promoted to battalion chief of C Platoon in 2017 while maintaining his State of ½ûÂþÌìÌÃEMT III certification as well.
Kuiper earned an associate degree in fire science, associate degree in hazardous materials, a baccalaureate degree in emergency management, and a master’s degree in public administration, all from the University of Alaska. He is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program.
When he is not on duty, Kuiper enjoys spending his free time sharing his passion of being outdoors in ½ûÂþÌìÌÃhunting and fishing with his wife, Buffy, and son, Glacier.