Meet our Members: Jesse Peterson
This week we meet our current Work Experience Program member - Jesse Peterson.
CFR: Could you provide a brief background of your fire service career?
Just as the question states, my background in the fire service is “brief”...for now. The start of my fire service career started when I joined Comox Fire Rescue two months ago. Before joining CFR, I completed my NFPA 1001 training in 2016 in Maple Ridge and have since been working towards other certifications that are needed to become a career firefighter.
CFR: Was there any specific event that first interested you in becoming a firefighter?
There was really nothing specific that first got me interested in the fire service. It was more of a build up over time by working in industries that weren’t meaningful to me. However, all my previous positions have been centered around service. By working as a firefighter, you serve others in the highest way possible, but it also serves ourselves in an amazing way. There is a big part of us that wants to serve the community we live in and by doing this it helps us become better in many different ways. Better people make better firefighters and this career helps improve both in our work and our personal lives. Working in business was certainly missing these elements.
CFR: What is your favourite part of volunteering for Comox Fire Rescue (or working in the valley in general)?
So far, working with Comox Fire Rescue has been amazing and I feel extremely lucky and grateful for this opportunity. I can’t pick out one specific thing to call my favorite as I have enjoyed everything so far, even scrubbing toilets. I have been very impressed with how up to date (or ahead) Comox is in regards to their facilities, training, tools, procedures, technology, etc. The members here are even better. Their reputation certainly precedes them and they are no doubt one of the most forward thinking departments in Canada and I am glad to be a part of it.
CFR: Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
Outside of the department, my main hobbies include golf, skiing, mountain biking, and spending time in the gym.
CFR: What are some major changes you have seen in the fire service industry during your career?
Since I have only been in the fire service a short time, I haven’t experienced or have gone through any major changes. That being said, this is the start of my career and I am sure major changes will come because this industry is about continuous improvement and being the best at what we do.