Forrest Kuiper named acting UAF fire chief

Aug. 6, 2021

Battalion Chief Forrest Kuiper has been named acting fire chief of the University of Alaska Fairbanks 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 Alaska EMT 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 Alaska hunting and fishing with his wife, Buffy, and son, Glacier.