Meet our Members: Brent Craven
This week on Meet our Members, Lieutenant Brent Craven!
CFR: Could you provide a brief background of your fire service career?
I applied to Comox Fire in the Summer of 2015, after a news story in the local paper looking for new volunteers. I have come in to the fire service with an open mind and slate. I have a large construction background as my dad is a carpenter, so other than power tools and hard work, I am very new to the fire service.
CFR: Was there any specific event that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?
After spending 18 years in Vancouver in the Television Industry, I was looking for a way to get more involved in my community that I grew up in, and now live in again. I have always loved to be involved and help people in anyway I can. This opportunity to be a member of Comox Fire Rescue is above and beyond anything I could have ever dreamed of being a part of, and I’m loving every moment of it.
CFR: What is your favourite part of volunteering for Comox Fire Rescue (or working in the valley in general)?
The members of Comox Fire Rescue are truly amazing. From the Chief to the Recruits, everyone is friendly, helpful, inclusive and supportive. Since joining, I now have some of the most amazing new friends.. “family” is probably the better term to call them.
CFR: Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
My wife Kim of 20 years and I love to travel as much as we can. Day trips around the Island, or when possible to somewhere hot like Mexico. My ‘day’ job is lots of computer time and camera work, so anything outside is great. I’m a bit of a geek also and love taking pictures, especially of our dog Gordie.
CFR: What are some major changes you have seen in the fire service industry during your career?
For me, this is all new! I’m loving learning new things everyday. I can’t wait to see where this takes me in the future.
CFR: If you could change one thing about the fire service, what would it be?
That everyone has working smoke detectors.
Chief Schreiner states "Brent has been a great addition to our team. His existing skills coupled with the new firefighting skills he is learning here make him a very valuable asset."
Thank you, Brent, for your enthusiasm and energy! We hope you have many great years of service ahead.