Meet our Members: Recruit Noah James

This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Recruit Noah James.

Was there a specific event that first interested you in becoming a firefighter?

Not a specific reason per se but a value and desire to have an active role supporting my community. My family spans many public service roles including healthcare, military service, and even fire rescue. Comox, and the valley is my home. Joining Comox Fire Rescue was a great way to marry my values of community, physical well-being, and desire to continue lifelong learning.

View fullsize

Tell us about your family.

My parents Colin and Leah live in Ontario where I was born and raised. They continue to be the motivation, support, and foundation that enables me to succeed in life. I am the oldest of four. Mark, Rebecca, and Elizabeth are my younger siblings. While my sisters are still in Ontario, Mark made the brave decision to move with me to Comox right out of high school. He has worked hard to land on his feet and may even be a future Comox Fire member one-day... My partner Megan is a Paediatrics and Maternal Health Nurse at the Comox hospital. She is my rock, cheerleader, and so much more! I could not imagine becoming a firefighter or pursuing my career goals without her. Together we have 3 cats at home, Ginny (orange), Maeve (Grey), and Finnegan. My mother in-law, Jailynn, is a huge supporter. She welcomed Megan and I home to the West Coast this summer and drove with me and the moving truck from Ontario this past summer. Family is important to me, and I look forward to servicing the Comox family.

What is your regular “Day Job”?

I have spent many years in university and simultaneously working a variety of jobs from commercial truck driving to cutting-edge medical research, to grounds keeping. Currently, I work as a legal assistant in Courtenay.

Tell us about the passion in your life.

It's hard to pick just one. I am passionate about health, learning, and food! I love to cook, bake, and of course eat! From homemade breads, cheeses, and meals to local restaurants I am passionate about good local food and sharing that experience with others. If you like homemade focaccia or pasta, I have the recipe for you!

Tell us about the most amazing thing you have experienced so far in life.

In February 2018, I was fortunate to be selected from Army Cadets across Canada for the International Expedition that year to Southern Chile. There we hiked the entirety of the ‘W’ circuit, a mulit-day alpine hiking trail where we visited the base of the Torres Del Paine; fun fact - this natural wonder is picture on the 1000 Chilean Peso note! After this multi-day trek, we paddled further south in the Patagonia region, camping and paddling by massive glaciers in pristine water. The environment was challenging but through strong teamwork we were able to appreciate this beautiful region of the world while navigating extreme-remote environments. I will never forget this experience and how beautiful our natural world can be.  

Do you have any fire service goals?

My first goal is to successfully complete my initial training. Afterwards, I hope to continue acquiring new skills to better serve our community. I aim to complete my driver training as soon as I am able, having been a truck driver in the past, I love being on the road and driving fire service vehicles would be a childhood dream come true!

“Noah, we are excited to have you join our department." says Comox Fire Rescue's Chief Gord Schreiner. “We look forward to training and working with you as you begin your Fire Service career."

Meet our Members: Recruit Rebecca Hofer

This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Recruit Rebecca Hofer.

Was there a specific event that first interested you in becoming a firefighter?

I don’t have a moment where I was “ ohh that’s what I want to do” or a specific incident where I realized I want to do be a firefighter. I’ve just never really grown out of the childhood dream of wanting to be a firefighter and in the past I’ve never really been in one place for long enough to make the commitment and now I live in a place that I like and have a job I actually enjoy and makes me want to stick around for the long term.

View fullsize

Tell us about your family.

My family is quite lovely and pretty big. I have four brothers and one sister, we were raised very religious- very anabaptist- on a Hutterite community in Manitoba, which I left at 19. Three of my sibling are still back on the farm and two of them in Alberta. I also have two nieces and two nephews between ages 13 to three.   

What is your regular “Day Job”?

I don’t really have a “regular day job” but I’m currently working as a baker in Courtenay. When I started working there I had absolutely no baking experience, though I did have a fair bit of restaurant experience. It’s been a blast learning about and how to do many things including breads, croissants, cakes and even decorating cake. 

Tell us about the passion in your life.

I’m pretty passionate about a few things, especially about just generally moving my body, be it running or biking or just being in the forest. I love the forest! My absolute favourite thing to do in the forest and possibly just ever, is foraging for mushrooms and berries and other edible treasures.

Tell us about the most amazing thing you have experienced so far in life.

I’ve had a few pretty  fun  experiences, currently sitting at number one was the time I got to hold a real tarantula and see an actual active volcano in Guatemala. 

Do you have any fire service goals?

Currently my number one goal is to finish my training, and then I think I’d like to get hired by a department as career firefighter. I would also love to do forest firefighting sometime in the future.  

“Welcome to Comox Fire Rescue Rebecca.” says Comox Fire Rescue's Chief Gord Schreiner. “We look forward to training and working with you as you begin your Fire Service career."

Meet our Members: Recruit Giovanni Vanzzini

This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Recruit Giovanni Vanzzini.

Was there a specific event that first interested you in becoming a firefighter?

I always had great respect and admiration for this profession and when I learned about what Comox Fire Rescue had to offer like the amazing training and the opportunity to be such an important part of the community, I had no doubt that this was the best option for me.

View fullsize

Tell us about your family.

I’m originally from Mexico and my parents and siblings are still living there.  I’ve been in Canada for a long time now, living with my wife, Sara, and our two boys.  We love spending time in nature, having adventures, making food, gardening and learning new things together.  

What is your regular “Day Job”?

My jobs have been seasonal for a long time.  I work as a snowboard trainer and instructor in the winter.  I have had a few different jobs in the summer time but always related to outdoor guiding like zip line tours, paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, environmental  awareness and care, etc.  

Tell us about the passion in your life.

My jobs reflect my passions which are enjoying and caring about nature, finding and trying to reach my potential and sharing what I learn with others. Besides snowboarding , I also love mountain biking, hiking, paddling and playing soccer.  

Tell us about the most amazing thing you have experienced so far in life.

I have travelled to different parts of the world, have seen many amazing places and have met amazing people. But the best of all has been becoming a dad and having lots of adventures with our two boys and my wife. 

Do you have any fire service goals?

My goal in the fire service is to always be my personal best in training and on the job. To be part of this great community with all the amazing members of the department and to support the larger community of Comox the best I can. 

“Gio has been a great addtion to our department.” says Comox Fire Rescue's Chief Gord Schreiner. “His committement and hard work is paying off as he and his recruit class near the end of their NFPA 1001/2 training. Keep up the great work Gio!"

Meet our Members: WEP Firefighter Mark O'Sullivan

This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Work Experience Firefighter Mark O'Sullivan

Mark will be at Comox Fire Rescue for approximately 100 days working 40 hours a week as a voluntary position gaining valuable experience in the department's Work Experience Program (WEP).

WEP members live at the firehall during their stay allowing them to gain experience responding to calls as well as training.

View fullsize

 Was there a specific event that first interested you in becoming a firefighter?

 I always liked the idea of firefighting. I was fortunate to get training to be an airport firefighter right out of university. From there I moved to New Zealand, where I joined the local volunteer fire brigade. 

The Brigade was made up of people from all over the world. This was a liveaboard station, where 6 firefighters lived on station full time, and a couple spare bedrooms for others. Most of the brigade didn’t have family nearby, so the fire brigade almost became a large family. The support I saw and experienced was inspiring. We did have some rough days, and some rough calls. But we always bounced back and had each other's backs. 

It was being around these amazing people, doing amazing things. That I realized I wanted to do this for the rest of my life. 

Tell us about your family.

I have a wonderful, big family. All doing great things with their life. I have three brothers, a sister (the youngest), and both my parents. It would not be uncommon for the O’Sullivan family to spend a Saturday night at the local soup kitchen, giving back. 

My parents are true angels. Not only did they raise five kids - and we were no angels growing up. My mom currently goes to church every day and keeps a healthy calendar for charity work. My dad runs a small construction company that two of my brothers work for. He is also busy on several non-profit boards. Including a halfway house - helping to reestablish drug addicted individuals back to society. 

My oldest brother Conor has a wife and two kids, in Langley. He’s a Machine operator with my dad’s company. Below him Rory works as a Project Manager/Plumber, also big into surfing. Below him, Brian is studying for his Certified Professional Accountant and currently works at the local bank. My sister is an addictions counselor with Vancouver Health District, who is also getting married next May.

Growing up is always hard with so many siblings. But now that we've grown up a bit, my siblings and parents are some of my best friends. 

What is your regular “Day Job”?

 My day job was working in aviation. I’ve worked in three airports, spread across New Zealand and Canada. As well as Harbour Air, while studying my undergrad.

While Duty Officer, at Abbotsford Airport.  One of my jobs was working with Abbotsford Airshow, but also keeping the airport operating, for passenger and water bomber traffic. I was fortunate to have worked closely with the Comox favorite, Canadian Snowbirds and the not so cool Blue Angels. Also to work in the Emergency Operations Centre, for the airshow and other major events. However, my days aren’t normally this cool. Normally I would be managing the terminal, airfield, regulatory compliance, and driving those cool ARFF trucks. 

When in New Zealand, I was able to work at Queenstown Airport. Nominated as the most beautiful airport to fly into. I was fortunate to build a good relationship with all the airport partners. This allowed me to see and do some cool things. 

Tell us about the passion in your life.

Oh, I have a lot - Also a lot of goals to go along with my passions. I do love the outdoors, traveling - I get this sounds clique. 

One unique passion I have is emergency planning and dealing with emergencies. When I was in high school, I always wanted to be a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, the people who jump out of helicopters. Then I realized you need to be American and in the US Coast Guard. After I found that out, I looked at the United Nations Air Operation Division for opportunities. After a few years of trying, with no luck, and COVID starting to take its toll, I decided to move on. After a stint working in aviation, I am looking forward to being the best firefighter possible and seeing how my passions can continue to grow. 

Tell us about the most amazing thing you have experienced so far in life.

When the world opened after COVID, I decided to move to New Zealand. Driving into one of the most beautiful towns in the world, with no job, no friends. It was a huge shock. 

However, I made the best of it. It pushed me out of my comfort zone. Within no time, I found myself going on multi-day hikes with some amazing people; and flown around the country for fire related courses

Do you have any fire service goals?

 I like to take this in steps- next step is to get hired onto a career department. After that, become the best firefighter possible. 

I’m also looking to volunteer with Burnaby Urban Search and Rescue Team. It’s a group of firefighters from the lower mainland who specialize in post disaster management. This team will often deploy to countries in need, such as Turkey’s earthquake in 2022, as well as attend seminars/training around the world on emergency planning and disaster relief. 

Long Term Goal -I`d like to make it to Captain or a position that I feel challenged, but also gives back to the community. 

“We are very excited to have Mark join our Work Experience Program.” says Comox Fire Rescue's Chief Gord Schreiner. “He will be living at the fire station for up to 100 days. This will allow him to gain a great deal of experience. “

Comox Fire Rescue has had several Work Experence Program firefighters over the last years, with many moving on to full time firefighting careers. The WEPs receive NO pay, but they are provided a bedroom in the fire station.

Thanks for joining our team Mark, we look forward to training and working with you.

Meet our Members: WEP Firefighter Hayden Gilchrist

This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Work Experience Firefighter Hayden Gilchrist

Hayden will be at Comox Fire Rescue for approximately 100 days working 40 hours a week as a voluntary position gaining valuable experience in the department's Work Experience Program (WEP).

WEP members live at the firehall during their stay allowing them to gain experience responding to calls as well as training.

View fullsize

 Was there a specific event that first interested you in becoming a firefighter?

I knew at a young age that I wanted to be a first responder. Over the years of hearing firefighters speak so highly of this career I knew it’s what I wanted. I find it admirable how hard firefighters train and better themselves each day. I think it’s the most rewarding job out there and am extremely looking forward to my 100 days with the Comox Fire Rescue.

Tell us about your family.

I was born and raised in Brantford, Ontario. Both my parents have lived their whole lives in Brantford and are truly my biggest supporters. My father works for the school board as the lead of maintenance (Grounds) and my mother is an accountant/ Book keeper for a local home building company. I have an amazing older sister, Brooklyn who just recently became a mortgage agent. With her two children I am an uncle to my nephew Hank, and my niece Evie.

What is your regular “Day Job”?

I have a background in law enforcement. For nearly two years I worked at McMaster University as a Special Constable. I also volunteered with the Hamilton Police Service as an Auxiliary Police Officer for 4 years. Currently, I am working at the Keg Steakhouse as a server. I have been serving at the Keg for over 8 years and love it. It’s a great feeling loving your job, and something I look forward to in pursuing a career in firefighting.

Tell us about the passion in your life.

My passions in life would be my family, friends and sports. Family means everything to me. I am extremely close with them and truly am blessed to have such a loving family. My friends are a close second. I am very fortunate to have the friend group I have. They’re exceptional people and I can always count on having a good laugh with them. Sports as a whole I am very passionate about, however nothing beats watching my Indianapolis Colts on a Sunday with friends and family.

Tell us about the most amazing thing you have experienced so far in life.

I’d say the most amazing experience I have had in my life would be travelling. I have done several golf trips throughout Canada and the States, been to dozens of sports venues while on these trips, seen the northern lights in Yellowknife, swam with sharks in the Dominican Republic, hiked in beautiful British Columbia and am extremely looking forward to a two week trip to Japan this upcoming fall.

Do you have any fire service goals?

My goals in the fire service are to get hired on full time with a department as a career firefighter. From there I’d love to work a happy, healthy and memorable career. Hopefully learning something each day, and passing along any knowledge to other members over my career.

“We are very excited to have Hayden join our Work Experience Program.” says Comox Fire Rescue's Chief Gord Schreiner. “He will be living at the fire station for up to 100 days. This will allow him to gain a great deal of experience. “

Comox Fire Rescue has had several Work Experence Program firefighters over the last years, with many moving on to full time firefighting careers. The WEPs receive NO pay, but they are provided a bedroom in the fire station.

Thanks for joining our team Hayden!