This week on Meet our Members, we interview our newest work experience firefighter, Kyle Mariani!
CFR: Could you provide a brief background of your fire service career?
I would say this is the beginning of my Fire Service career. That being said I believe Comox will always hold special place in my Fire Service Career when I look back years from now, it will always be the first and I believe the experience I have gained here will play a big role in landing a career job as a firefighter. I did come into this work experience already having my NFPA 1001 IFSAC seals for Firefighter I & II certifications as well as Hazmat Awareness and Operations. I have completed the Canadian Red Cross Emergency Medical Responder CPR/HCP – AED certification. I also hold a valid Class “D” Ontario Driver’s License with “Z” airbrake endorsement. As far as Firefighting experience though Comox Fire Rescue is my first and I am grateful for the opportunity.
CFR: Was there any specific event that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?
I wouldn't say there was one specific event that interested me in being a firefighter. Just like most Canadian kids I grew up wanting to be a professional hockey player and play in the NHL. I always knew aside from hockey that I didn't want your typical 9-5 desk job. I think from there I started to look into different jobs and fell in love with everything about firefighting and the culture. Its very similar to being on hockey teams with the team aspect. I love being able to help people and be there for them when they need it most. Being a part of an organisation that takes pride in the work they do which is a wide variety things which keeps things interesting.
CFR: What was your favourite part of work experience with Comox Fire Rescue?
My favourite part of the work experience would be the people here. Comox Fire has a good mix of all different kinds of people personality wise, interests wise, cultures and backgrounds which never makes for a dull moment and makes for a great well rounded team. A side from the people I have enjoyed seeing what it takes to be a great firefighter while learning new skills and tuning the ones I already had.
CFR: Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
Outside of the fire department I am big into sports and fitness. I was fortunate enough to be able to play hockey professionally for quite a few years all over North America and Europe so hockey has been a big part of my life. I love to travel whether it's around the world or on a day adventure going on a hike trying something new keeping active. Family is very important to me as well whether it is my immediate family, close friends or now the Fire family.
CFR: If you could change one thing about the fire service, what would it be?
To be honest I think the Fire Service is in a good place. I believe that's because the people before the firefighters you see today were another generation of firefighters who instilled core values in them just as they will pass them down to the future generations just as it has gone on from the very beginning. It is just one of those jobs where you need to be a genuine good person and have pride in the work you do, have integrity and a good work ethic along with many other things and if you don't have that you wont last. So the Fire Service has a good thing going as long is it keeps its traditions and pride in its members who have character and are genuinely good people who are continuously learning and improving I wouldn't change a thing.
This week on Meet our Members, we interview new recruit Frank Assu!
CFR: Could you provide a brief background of your fire service career?
Prior to joining Comox Fire Rescue in April 2016, I had 5 years of work experience with the Canadian Coast Guard. I had to take marine emergency training in order to be hired with the coast guard. Part of that training involved firefighting. I had to don turn out gear and SCBA’s and then enter a simulated burning ship and perform basic skills. From there I had monthly experience with performing maintenance on fire fighter PPE and equipment, as well I was involved in fighting 2 vessel fires, both with fire extinguishers only, and did not don any PPE.
Approximately 17 years ago I also participated and assisted the facilitation of a home fire extinguisher course where I set up simulated fires that would be able to be put out by a home fire extinguisher.
I am in the first year of my recruit training with Comox Fire Rescue and am learning all the duties, procedures and nuances within the fire department.
CFR: Was there any specific event that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?
I have always been interested in firefighting as profession since I was a child, and with my experience in the coast guard it gave me more knowledge and inspiration on what life as a fire fighter might be like.
I have been living in the Comox Valley since 2000 except for 2 years when I lived in Regina from 2014-2016. When I moved back to Comox in February 2016 I saw the advertisement for recruiting new fire fighters. I took this as a sign for me to get back involved in the community and to volunteer. I had volunteered with the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Comox for 3 years and wanted to get involved with some type of first responder role, I just wasn’t sure what. When I saw the poster for Comox Fire Rescue I immediately applied.
CFR: What is your favourite part of volunteering for Comox Fire Rescue (or working in the valley in general)?
To be able to give back to the community, help people in need and to form bonds and friendships with my colleagues in the Fire Dept.
CFR: Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
With a family of 4 children and 1 grandchild we are a busy household; though the three oldest are adults and on their own now. I enjoy going on hikes with my wife and children (mostly with our youngest), I am a member of the Comox Tennis club, enjoy fishing (salmon and prawns), bike riding and reading (anything related to history and novels for entertainment).
CFR: What are some major changes you have seen in the fire service industry during your career?
The advancement in technology has allowed fire fighters to be safer and able to perform their duties in a more efficient and effective manner.
CFR: If you could change one thing about the fire service, what would it be?
To ensure that all fire departments get the funding they need and deserve in order to deliver the service that they are trained for.
Chief Schreiner states: Frank has been a great addition to our team. He is very dedicated and is working towards his firefighter certification. Welcome Frank!
This week on Meet our Members, we interview Richard Quinn!
CFR: Could you provide a brief background of your fire service career?
My background with the fire service is limited at this point. I applied and was accepted as a new recruit with Comox Fire Rescue, during their recruitment drive, fall of 2015. I have a very diverse background in farming, medical laboratory technology and holistic medicine, giving me a wide set of skills and experiences to draw from and offer. I hope to continue working, learning and honing my skills within this exciting and rewarding profession.
CFR: Was there any specific event that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?
There was no specific event that prompted me to actively pursue becoming a fire fighter and first responder. It was more an accumulation of desire to serve my community and help others, my drive for challenges and adventure, and an opportunity combined with the time to dedicate to this important career and its ongoing training. My brother, (Andy Quinn)who is currently an active member of Courtenay Fire department, has long regaled me with stories of the many challenges and rewards of being a fire fighter. I knew what I was in for when I joined Comox Fire Rescue, and feel privileged to have the opportunity to serve.
CFR: What is your favourite part of volunteering for Comox Fire Rescue (or working in the valley in general)?
There are so many positive things I can say about this organization. First and foremost would be its members. Their level of professionalism, integrity and dedication is truly outstanding and very contagious. I have felt welcomed and valued from the moment I was accepted as a recruit. The amount of knowledge and experience at this station is humbling but they always find the time and patience to answer questions, offer encouragement, and pass along their lifetime of fire/rescue skills and knowledge. I have made many new amazing friends here. It truly feels like an extended family.
CFR: Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
My passions and hobbies mostly involve enjoying and exploring the many outdoor gifts the Island life has to offer. Snowboarding, mountain biking, paddle boarding, trail running, mountain climbing and kayaking, all help feed my need for adventure and adrenaline.
My home life is shared with my lovely girlfriend Heather, where we enjoy gardening and quiet moments together. Travel has always been something we both enjoy. Outside of Comox Fire Rescue, I am employed as a Medical Laboratory Technologist at St. Joseph’s General Hospital.
CFR: What are some major changes you have seen in the fire service industry during your career?
I can’t speak extensively on these questions as my experience with the fire service is relatively new. What I have learned is how dynamic and changing the fire environment is. From changes in building construction materials and techniques to the increased use of plastics and petroleum based materials in indoor furnishings, fires now burns faster, hotter and far more unpredictably than the past. The same can be said about the changing size, intensity and unpredictability of wild fires as witnessed by the recent Fort MacMurray fires.
CFR: If you could change one thing about the fire service, what would it be?
The need for the highest levels of training standards and on-going education is an essential for fire fighter safety and effective protection of the public and property. I am blessed to be stationed at such an outstanding training facility. The ongoing education of the public on fire safety and prevention is also incredibly important work.
Chief Schreiner states: Richard has been a very good addition to our team. His commitment and dedication has been outstanding. He is very quickly and successfully working his way toward full certification to the National Fire Protection Association, firefighter standard, NFPA 1001/2. Thanks for being on our team Richard!
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.
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.
