This week on Meet our Members, I interview myself!
CFR: Could you provide a brief background of your fire service career?
A "brief background" of my fire service career is exactly that - brief! I joined Comox Fire Rescue in 2013 with no experience in the industry and have trained hard and loved every minute of it since.
CFR: Was there any specific event that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?
Pure blind luck led me to CFR. I had moved to the Comox Valley and was so desperate for work that I took a job delivering newspapers. I happened to deliver to the fire hall and one day there was a "Daytime Responders Required" sign out front. I filled out my application the next day and was ecstatic to be accepted as part of the team.
CFR: What is your favourite part of volunteering for Comox Fire Rescue (or working in the valley in general)?
The valley really is a beautiful place to live. I love the mountains, the ocean, and the wilderness in between - and Comox has it all! Being a part of CFR has given me a great group of friends and the extensive community involvement makes for an incredibly rewarding life.
CFR: Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
I enjoy biking, hiking, camping out of a backpack, fishing, and hunting. I also tinker on wood and metalworking projects, and can't think of a better way to spend an evening than making homemade pizza and spending quality time with my family.
CFR: What are some major changes you have seen in the fire service industry during your career?
A major shift towards the use of practical technology is something that I've noticed since I started four years ago. As someone who is computer-savvy, I was asked to be a part of the process of digitising our "Pre-Incident Plans" from huge binders of paper to PDF files on tablets located in each apparatus. Since then we have also converted many of our departmental forms to a digital version which allows us to use less paper, collect statistics and information, and operate more efficiently.
CFR: If you could change one thing about the fire service, what would it be?
I would work towards a greater public knowledge of what we do and how we operate at an emergency scene. In order to keep everyone safe (firefighters and civilians), the public needs to know what to do when they encounter a situation such as a brush fire, house fire, vehicle collision, hydro line down, etc... If we're all on the same page, everything runs much smoother and with less chance of injury.
Chief Schreiner states: "Matt has been an outstanding member of our department for 4 years now. He brings with him lots of innovation, dedication and commitment. He has assisted our department with electronic preplans for our rigs and has developed many other leading edge systems for us. It is people like Matt that makes this such a great department."
This week on Meet our Members, we interview our newest Work Experience member Adam Auld!
CFR: Could you provide a brief background of your fire service career?
I've been a volunteer firefighter in Whitestone, Ontario for 5 years. I work full time as a rope rescue technician at Firewise training and consulting for 2 years.
CFR: Was there any specific event that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?
I got interested in the fire service when I was 17 and joined my local fire department. I always wanted a job where I can help people and make a difference. Also I enjoy the variety and challenge the fire service offers
CFR: What is your favourite part of volunteering for Comox Fire Rescue (or working in the valley in general)?
My favourite part about volunteering for Comox Fire (other than the view of the mountains) is the amount of community involvement we do.
CFR: Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
Outside the department I enjoy hunting, fishing and atving.
CFR: What are some major changes you have seen in the fire service industry during your career?
The biggest change I've seen being in the fire service is the precautionary measure taken to help reduce the risk of cancers in firefighters.
This week on Meet our Members, we interview 2017 Rookie of the Year Jon Watkins!
CFR: Could you provide a brief background of your fire service career?
I have only just completed one year in the fire service and I anticipate that this is the first of many. I have learned a vast amount about the fire service from some fantastic instructors here while getting great experience to a wide variety of calls. In addition to this I have been able to train in hazmat awareness and operations, live fire scenarios, survival techniques and rescue training, structure protection training (and deployment), medical first responder training and so much more. I have found very quickly that being a member of Comox Fire Rescue is an incredibly rewarding path.
CFR: Was there any specific event that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?
There was no single event that interested me in becoming a firefighter however, I am glad I decided to put an application in. Having one year in the service has certainly made me interested in learning as much as I can and furthering my knowledge and experience in the fire service! I would encourage anyone who is on the fence to put an application in, it is by far one of the best decisions I have ever made.
CFR: What is your favourite part of volunteering for Comox Fire Rescue (or working in the valley in general)?
Certainly the camaraderie, whether its training, doing fitness, sharing a meal, or working on a stressful call I can trust any member here as much as any other. We all look out for one another which makes for a fantastic work environment.
CFR: Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
(When I’m not working) I enjoy kayaking, hiking or playing ultimate frisbee.
CFR: What are some major changes you have seen in the fire service industry during your career?
Although I have only been in the industry for a short time, I can see how many new technologies are rapidly emerging and have the potential to change the work firefighters perform and how they will perform it in the near future. Comox Fire Rescue certainly takes a proactive approach to this which is hugely beneficial to learning, as we have even more tools to train and operate with.
CFR: If you could change one thing about the fire service, what would it be?
More public education and awareness. Before I joined the fire service I had no idea how complex and in depth the industry and the trade of fire fighting is. I’m looking forward to further developing my skills and completing my NFPA 1001’s.
Chief Schreiner states, "Jon has been a great addition to our team. He has proven to be a very capable and dedicated member. It is because of people like Jon that we have a great department and can provide outstanding services to our citizens."
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!
