Meet our Members: Chris Gytenbeek
Today on Meet our Members, we interview Chris Gytenbeek!
CFR: Could you provide a brief background of your fire service career?
2004-2007 paid on call fire fighter with Langley City Fire Rescue, 2007 - present Comox Fire Rescue. as a paid on call firefighter.
Was there any specific event that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?
Connecting with community, being able to help in time of crisis, generally really enjoy the whole package of being part of a family/team doing exciting work that makes a big difference in peoples lives.
What is your favorite part of volunteering for Comox Fire Rescue (or working in the valley in general)?
Working with a group of experts in knowing that we are delivering a great service to Comox. Comox is a great place to live, play and work.
Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
Most anything outdoors. Running, biking, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, skiing, skateboarding, and ice hockey. Spending time with family and friends doing any of these things. Living life realizing its short and the most important things are God, family and making a difference in those lives that your paths cross, learning from others and what they know.
What are some major changes you have seen in the fire service industry during your career?
Safer ways of doing our jobs, realizing that taking high risks to save a building isn't worth your life. Better tactics that are more effective and safer with ventilation, communications and gear.
If you could change one thing about the fire service, what would it be?
Better working relations with other first responders, paramedics, other fire halls.
Chief Schreiner states: Chris is an important part of our team. He has experience in another department before his time here and his many skills and talents have been a great asset to us. Chris is also a great role model for our younger firefighters.