2020 Work Experience Program a Win-Win!

Comox Fire Rescue’s latest Work Experience Program has been a great success for Firefighter Courtney Ziegler, and for The Town of Comox.

Courtney joined department as a Work Experience Member at the start of January. She had been living at the Firehall, working and responding to calls in order to gain experience. During this time the WEP member receives no pay, but are provided a bedroom at the fire station and $200 per week for food allowance.

“I was very fortunate to be able to join Comox Fire’s WEP program to help further my skills as a firefighter, I was able to learn enormously from experienced and like minded individuals. says Firefighter Courtney Ziegler. “It had always been a dream of mine to live on Vancouver Island and pursue firefighting, I was able to live that reality and I am so grateful."

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Courtney’s 100 days were cut short at the beginning of March for the COVID-19 Pandemic.  Fortunately, she was able to return for the month of July to complete her 100 days of the Work Experience Program.

“It was very exciting to have another successful Work Experience Program” says Comox Fire Chief, Gord Schreiner. 

“Courtney was able to respond to over 150 calls during her time with Comox Fire Rescue. Her hard work and dedication will go along way in her Fire Service Career. Good luck Courtney!”

Comox Fire has had several firefighters over the last years, with many moving on to full time firefighting careers.

For more information about Comox Fire Work Experience Program, or recruiting, please contact: 250-339-2432

http://www.comoxfirerescue.org/recruiting

Meet our Members: Anne Thomas

This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Rookie Anne Thomas

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

I never grew up thinking that becoming a firefighter was even an option, now it’s huge passion of mine. Giving back to my community, volunteering, it's incredibly fulfilling. Firefighting sincerely found me and I’m eternally grateful for it!

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

I moved to Comox specifically for Comox Fire Rescue- it was by far one of my best life choices. I work along side with some pretty incredible people that I’ve learned so much from. The instructors and officers have become huge mentors in my “Fire Career” and couldn’t ask for better support. It's an honour to be part of such an incredible family.

CFR: Tell us about your family?

I have an incredible better half who is my number one supporter. I also have an adventure kitten named Pika.

CFR: Tell us about your day job? 

Most days during the winter you can find me at Mount Washington as a Pro Ski Patroller. 

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

Anything outside is where you’ll find me! Skiing, ski touring in the backcountry, surfing, biking, trail running and camping. 

“Anne has been such a great addition to our team. Her hard work and dedication to Comox Fire Rescue is amazing.” states Fire Chief Gord Schreiner. “Thank you for all that you do for our department and our community Anne! Keep up the great work!”

2020 Firefighter Youth Camp is fast approaching!

Every two years (since 2000) Comox Fire Rescue has hosted a 4 day Firefighter Youth Camp for approximately 30 Comox Valley high school students. The camp is open to both males and female students in grades 11 and 12.

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Applications and selections are done by the Work Experience staff in the local high schools. The goal of this camp is to provide significant learning and life experience and to provide skills and attitudes that can be applied now and later in life.

Volunteer training for the Youth Camp is provided by members of Comox Fire Rescue, as well as other firefighters from neighbouring departments.

“We are very fortunate to have a dedicated and hard working team at Comox Fire Rescue to host the Youth Camp.” says Fire Chief Gord Schreiner. “Without their support, as well as the great support from local business to provide food and supplies, this amazing Firefighter Youth Camp could not happen.”

The countdown is on! Here are some photos from the 2018 camp:

Meet our Members: Delaney Carr

This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Recruit Delaney Carr

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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.

Meet our Members: Adam Lariviere

This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Firefighter Adam Lariviere

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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.