This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Recruit Delaney Carr
CFR: Was there a specific even that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?
For 3 years before I joined I held a filled out application. I think what inspired me to hand it in was when I was watching a full structure fire happen in my old neighbourhood. Comox Fire Rescue responded, and watching the team work together was what encouraged me to hand it in, I want to be apart of helping others.
CFR: What is your favourite part of working at Comox Fire Rescue?
The training centre and all of our firefighters who take part of the training and educating others. Comox FD hosts some incredible courses like Live Fire and START which have been some of the most educational and resourceful courses in my FF career so far. These courses also are open to many other fire departments, it gives us the opportunity to work and train with new people and develop our skills and learn new things.
CFR: Tell us about your family?
I have my older sister, Ryley and my parents, Leslie & Rob. Also, my spouse Jayden, who is also a member of Comox FD.
CFR: Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
Everything Vancouver Island! We live in such a beautiful place. I love to be up the mountain snowboarding during the winter and anywhere with a lake or beach during the summer. I also am very passionate about travelling and seeing new places - I try to visit a new country every year.
CFR: What would you tell someone that is thinking about becoming a Paid on Call Firefighter?
I have found that devotion and perseverance are the keys in the fire industry. It is a lot more than fighting fires. Departments are looking for those with the desire and ability to provide community service, and it is wonderful being able to partake in charitable events and organizations. There is a lot of job satisfaction and reward that comes with it.
CFR: What is your regular “Day Job”?
For 8 years now I have been working in the veterinary industry with small and large animals, I partake in pretty much every job inside the clinic I work for. I love what I do! Saving animals and educating clients on pet healthcare is my passion. My goal is to become a registered technician next year.
“It’s wonderful to have great people on our team like Delaney. Good luck on your continued training Delaney! " says Comox Fire Rescue Chief Gord Schreiner.
This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Firefighter Adam Lariviere
CFR: Was there a specific even that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?
I wouldn’t say there was one specific event that interested me in becoming a firefighter. As a little boy I grew up in and around Comox Fire Rescue and had a fascination with it right from that start, it just felt natural to follow in my fathers footsteps and join the service.
CFR: What is your favourite part of working at Comox Fire Rescue?
My favourite part about being a member of Comox Fire Rescue is giving back to the community that’s given me so much, and in the many ways we do. Whether it’s responding to the wide variety of emergencies in which we’re very well trained to deal with, or giving back through the many volunteering and community outreach programs we offer. Comox Fire is a family and I’m proud to be able to serve along side the many amazing people I do.
CFR: Tell us about your family?
My family consists of my sister Amanda who is a teacher with school district #71, my mother Pam, who is former military police, and my father Jim who is an Assistant Chief with at Comox Fire Rescue.
CFR: Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
When I’m not volunteering with Comox Fire, or at work at 19 wing, I enjoy being outside, exploring, hiking, snowboarding, mountain biking, and just trying to stay active and healthy. Don’t get me wrong though, I like my relaxing nights in playing video games or watching Netflix.
CFR: If you could change one thing about the fire service, or fire safety, what would it be?
Since I joined the fire service in 2012, I’ve seen so many positive changes. Whether it be cancer prevention through decontamination and gear washing procedures and SOGs, or mental health initiatives…working towards ending the stigma surrounding PTSD. Although leaps and bounds have been made in both regards, I think there’s always room for improvement And am excited to see where the fire service is in 5, 10, 20 years these aspects.
“We are very thankful to have had Adam posted to CFB Comox after joining the military. Adam brings many years of service with Comox Fire and a great amount of experience and knowledge. Thanks for all your service Adam! " says Comox Fire Rescue Chief Gord Schreiner.
This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Firefighter Scott Boyd
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.
This week on "Meet our Members", we interview WEP Firefighter Courtney Ziegler
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!
This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Fire Fighter Perry Assu.
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!"
