Meet our Members - David Pottle
This week on Meet our Members, we chat with Recruit Dave Pottle, who joined Comox Fire Rescue in March of 2022.
Was there a specific event or reason for you to be interested in becoming a firefighter?
I fought Wildland fires for the Ministry of Forests for close to 10 years all while I travelled around BC exploring our Province. During that time I have had many encounters with Structural Firefighters on interface fires requiring their support, so I would say that speaking and working directly with the firefighters is what first piqued my interest in structural. My years as a Wildland Firefighter instilled a love of firefighting in general, and now that I am no longer travelling around and residing in Comox full time, I found Comox Fire Rescue as an excellent opportunity to continue pursuing my interests and learning new skill sets.
Tell us about your family?
I am the youngest of 5 siblings and have more cousins, nephews and nieces than I can count. Most of my family reside in Northern BC in the City of Rain(bows) aka Prince Rupert. It's a small community that is similar in ways to Comox, but I do love the weather down here a lot more.
What is your regular “Day Job”
I work at CFB Comox in a civilian role for Defence Construction Canada (DCC) where I manage various construction contracts that support the Canadian Armed Forces and their daily operations. Prior to moving to Comox in 2018 I was working in Civil Engineering, Wildland Firefighting and even Commercial Fishing industries.
Tell us about your passion in life.
My passions in life I feel are quite common to a lot of folks. I love my friends, family, and adventure. I spend a lot of time with my immediate family as my wife's family all reside in the valley. Most of my close friends share the same hobbies as I do which usually always ensures I have a partner for a wild adventure in the wilderness or to go travelling with. Since moving to the valley I have developed a major interest in hiking, backpacking, hunting and archery, all of which tend to compliment the other and I look forward to using them as an excuse to get out and explore more of the island!
Tell us about the most amazing thing you have experienced so far in life.
I have had the opportunity through the forest service to visit and explore so many beautiful locations in BC. One amazing memory I carry with me is being dropped off on top of a mountain in late summer by a helicopter and seeing a family of grizzlies slowly eating blueberries about 50 yds away totally unconcerned by 20 people and a helicopter, all with the Bugaboo Mountains off in the distance and a clear bright sky. That is still one memory I go back to as a picturesque moment of my life though it really makes me wish I carried a camera with me back then.
Do you have any fire service goals?
To take on this new challenge to become a structural firefighter, explore my local areas and to meet and engage with my community on a meaningful level.
“Thank you for joining our team David.” says Comox Fire Rescue Chief Gord Schreiner. “David brings a great amount of experience as a Wildland Firefighter, and we look forward to expanding your training as a member of Comox Fire Rescue. Good luck on continuing your Fire Service career David”
