Meet our Members: Perry Assu
This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Fire Fighter Perry Assu.
CFR: Could you provide a brief background of your fire service career?
My time in the fire service has been a short one so far. It started out when I got involved in the youth semester programs that Comox Fire puts on for local youth. In my grade 12 year I did two back to back semesters of training here at the fire hall learning various things and getting hooked on the fire service. I then moved away for a few years, but once coming back I knew what I wanted to do. I put my application in and waited for the next group to get hired. While waiting Chief Shreiner let me help out in the 2018 youth camp. Shortly after I got hired into the May 2018 recruit class and have been serving since then.
CFR: Was there any specific event that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?
Showing up the first day to the youth semester program really got me interested in becoming a Fire Fighter one day. All the cool toys and the camaraderie got me hooked.
CFR: What is your favourite part of working at Comox Fire Rescue?
Comox Fire Rescue is a great place to work. I love that we always look for ways to improve and be better (and safer) at the job. Just because something is going well and working, doesn’t mean we stop looking for an even better way to do something. Comox Fire Rescue is dedicated to passing on knowledge and helping firefighters get better at what they do. I love meeting, helping and learning from firefighters from all over the Island, BC and beyond.
CFR: Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
My favourite thing about being a volunteer Paid-On-Call FF is the family you join once getting hired on. Everyone is so welcoming and has an interest in your future, starting with recruit training. Also helping the citizens of Comox means the world to me. We arrive to some of their worst days, and it is an honour I will cherish for the rest of my life that I get the chance to help those in need.
CFR: If you could change one thing about the fire service, what would it be?
I would not change anything within the service but I would like to say to the public THANK YOU! thank you for the support you give to local emergency services. And for anyone looking into the fire service I say, go for it! you will have made one of the best decisions of your life.
Chief Schreiner states: "Having dedicated, compassionate and hard-working people like Perry here is what makes our organization as good as it is. The best equipment and facilities does not make a good fire department. A good fire department needs great people like Perry. Thanks for all your hard work Perry!"
