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.
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!
