Meet our Members: Scott Boyd

This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Firefighter Scott Boyd

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CFR: Could you provide a brief background of your fire service career?

I have been in the Canadian Military for 25 years, and firefighter since 2013. A fellow member at CFB Comox highly recommended Comox Fire to me when we were on our DP2 course together in Borden. He was absolutely correct and I haven’t looked back.

CFR: What is your favourite part of working at Comox Fire Rescue?

The people, the professionalism, and the knowledge base along with SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) that just make sense.

CFR: Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?

I’m a complete hobbyist. I also run the Brazilian Jiutitsu club on base, Mon/Wed/Fri 1730ish-1900. This is also open to non-military peoples. Consider this an advertisement ;)

"Comox Fire Rescue is fortunate to have so many great members that are also full time firefighters at 19 Wing. They bring a great deal of training and experience to the department. Thank you for your commitment Scott." says Comox Fire Rescue Chief Gord Schreiner.

Meet our Members: WEP Firefighter Courtney Ziegler

This week on "Meet our Members", we interview WEP Firefighter Courtney Ziegler

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Was there a specific even that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?

When I was 14 years old I worked as a slide attendant for a City in Alberta. During one of our monthly emergency response training sessions a group of local career firefighters came to speak with us briefly about how they started in my exact position, from there their passion for being a first responder grew. So did mine.

Why did you choose to do a WEP program with Comox Fire?

To further my skills as a fire fighter, learn from experienced and like minded individuals. It has always been a dream of mine to live on Vancouver Island and pursue fire fighting, now it's a reality and I am so grateful.

Do you have family/children/pets?

I have my mother who is my biggest supporter. 

What is your regular “Day Job”?

 I work in the oil and gas industry as a firefighter and medic in Northern Alberta. 

Outside the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?

I enjoy hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, hand stitched embroidery and drawing.

“We are very excited to have Courtney join our Work Experience Program.” says Comox Fire Chief, Gord Schreiner. “She will be living at the fire station for up to 100 days. This will allow her to gain a great deal of experience. “

Comox Fire has had several firefighters over the last years, with many moving on to full time fire fighting careers. The WEPs receive NO pay, but they are provided a bedroom in the fire station and a $200.00 per week food allowance.

Thanks for joining our team Courtney!

Meet our Members: Perry Assu

This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Fire Fighter Perry Assu.

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CFR: Could you provide a brief background of your fire service career?

My time in the fire service has been a short one so far. It started out when I got involved in the youth semester programs that Comox Fire puts on for local youth. In my grade 12 year I did two back to back semesters of training here at the fire hall learning various things and getting hooked on the fire service. I then moved away for a few years, but once coming back I knew what I wanted to do. I put my application in and waited for the next group to get hired. While waiting Chief Shreiner let me help out in the 2018 youth camp. Shortly after I got hired into the May 2018 recruit class and have been serving since then.

CFR: Was there any specific event that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?

Showing up the first day to the youth semester program really got me interested in becoming a Fire Fighter one day. All the cool toys and the camaraderie got me hooked.

CFR: What is your favourite part of working at Comox Fire Rescue?

Comox Fire Rescue is a great place to work. I love that we always look for ways to improve and be better (and safer) at the job. Just because something is going well and working, doesn’t mean we stop looking for an even better way to do something. Comox Fire Rescue is dedicated to passing on knowledge and helping firefighters get better at what they do. I love meeting, helping and learning from firefighters from all over the Island, BC and beyond.

CFR: Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?

My favourite thing about being a volunteer Paid-On-Call FF is the family you join once getting hired on. Everyone is so welcoming and has an interest in your future, starting with recruit training. Also helping the citizens of Comox means the world to me. We arrive to some of their worst days, and it is an honour I will cherish for the rest of my life that I get the chance to help those in need.

CFR: If you could change one thing about the fire service, what would it be?

I would not change anything within the service but I would like to say to the public THANK YOU! thank you for the support you give to local emergency services. And for anyone looking into the fire service I say, go for it! you will have made one of the best decisions of your life.

Chief Schreiner states: "Having dedicated, compassionate and hard-working people like Perry here is what makes our organization as good as it is. The best equipment and facilities does not make a good fire department. A good fire department needs great people like Perry. Thanks for all your hard work Perry!"

Meet our Members: Rob Stevens

This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Captain Rob Stevens!

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CFR: Could you provide a brief background of your fire service career?

My emergency service career started in Victoria as a member of the city’s urban Search and Rescue team. That was more than a couple years ago. 1991 or there about. I joined the fire service with the Bow Horn Bay fire department after meeting their chief and he agreed to train me. That was about 1995. I joined Comox Fire Rescue in 1997 and have been a member here since.

CFR: Was there any specific event that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?

I’ve always wanted to be a firefighter. I was a big fan of the TV show Emergency when I was a kid. That sparked my interest in the career and the reality of the industry has never dampened my enthusiasm for the career.

CFR: What is your favourite part of working at Comox Fire Rescue (or working in the valley in general)?

Comox Fire Rescue is a great place to work. I love that we always look for ways to improve and be better (and safer) at the job. Just because something is going well and working doesn’t mean we stop looking for an even better way to do something. Comox Fire Rescue is dedicated to passing on knowledge and helping firefighters get better at what they do. We interact with other departments often. We train intensively in house, and we help any way we can when asked to train members from other departments. I love meeting, helping and learning from firefighters from all over the island, BC and beyond.

CFR: Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?

Outside the department, I love to hike and explore the wilderness. The Comox Valley is endless in treasure troves to discover in the back hills.

CFR: What are some major changes you have seen in the fire service industry during your career?

The biggest change I’ve noticed in the fire service is the speed and intensity of fires. The amount of materials in the typical home that burn with high intensity and speed has increased greatly over the past couple decades. This has made fire fighting more challenging and forced the firefighter to be much more aware of fire behaviour and understand fire characteristics in more depth than ever before. The firefighter’s life depends on this knowledge and understanding. We have less fires due to a stronger public education emphasis, but the fires that do occur are much more challenging.

Chief Schreiner states: "Having dedicated, compassionate, ethical, hard-working, and well-trained people like Rob here is what makes our organization as good as it is. The best equipment and facilities does not make a good fire department. A good fire department needs great people like Rob. He is very important to the continued success of this organization.”

Meet our Members: Ron Barrow

This week on Meet our Members, we interview Ron Barrow!

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Lieutenant Ron Barrow

CFR: Could you provide a brief background of your fire service career?

My career as a Search and Rescue Technician in the Airforce posted me back to my home town of Comox in 1999.

CFR: Was there any specific event that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?

I met the dedicated professionals within the CFD which lead me to join in 2002. That atmosphere continues to be a big part of the reward for me.

CFR: What is your favourite part of volunteering for Comox Fire Rescue (or working in the valley in general)?

Contributing to our communities well being and participating in the continuous learning and professional development offered in the Training Centre have motivated me from the beginning.

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Lieutenant Barrow training new recruits at the Comox Fire Training Centre

CFR: Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?

I enjoy all outdoor activities, with friends and family all year round. Especially boating and fishing with my wife Destinee and spending time with our grown boys Blayne, Jayden and Cedar...woof!

Thank you Ron for your many years of dedicated volunteer service!