Meet our Members - Andrew Patterson

This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Firefighter Andrew Patterson

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Comox Fire Rescue: Tell us a bit about yourself Andrew:

I am from Hamilton, Ontario and have been in the military for just about 18 years. I spent my first 10 years in the Infantry with The 2nd battalion Royal Canadian Regiment. I completed an occupational transfer to become an RCAF firefighter in April 2012. After attending the fire academy in Borden, Ontario I was posted to 8 Wing Trenton in Ontario where I spent about 7 years as a firefighter as well as almost a year with Station 1 Quinte West Fire Department. I was posted to 19 Wing Comox in July 2019.

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

The specific event that made me interested in becoming a firefighter was the attacks of September 11th, 2001. I had just started my second year in college. I was taking Law and Security Administration and had planned on becoming a police officer but that day changed everything in my life.

As soon as I graduated I joined the infantry to defend this country against threats like the Taliban. I was able to do that when I was deployed in January 2007 to Kandahar, Afghanistan. I remembered the thousands of innocent people that were killed on that terrible day and the 343 FDNY firefighters that made the ultimate sacrifice. While others were running out they were running in to try and save as many people as possible. I knew when I came home from the war that I wanted to try and become a firefighter and have been blessed to be able to do that. I truly believe it is the greatest job in the world. 

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

Outside of being a fire fighter I love spending time with my beautiful wife Patty (yes, her name is Patty Patterson! Lol) and my amazing kids Jasmine who is 12 and son Arlo who is 9. We love camping in our travel trailer, canoeing, paddle boarding and hiking. 

What is your favourite part of volunteering for Comox Fire Rescue?

I feel blessed living in such a beautiful place here in the Comox Valley. I am very grateful and excited to be a member of Comox Fire Rescue. I had heard about how great of an organization it is from talking to my fellow firefighters on the base who also happen to be Comox firefighters. I absolutely love being a firefighter and am just blown away by how great of a department Comox is!

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

Absolutely nothing. I find it perfect. We’re able to everyday to be a part of this incredible community and help it’s residents in their time of need. 

"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 joining and for your commitment Andrew." says Comox Fire Rescue Chief Gord Schreiner.  

Meet our Members - Alexandre Bolduc

This week on “Meet our Members” we chat with Military Firefighter Alexandre Bolduc.

Comox Fire Rescue: Could you provide a brief background of your fire service career?

My introduction into the fire world has begun in September 2008 when I attended the Académie des Pompiers in Mirabel, Québec.

Since then I’ve went to the Canadian Forces Fire Academy in Borden, Ontario for my initial military firefighting training in 2015 and in 2019 for an attack team leader course. I’ve been stationed in the beautiful Comox Valley since 2015. During that span, I’ve travelled to Goose bay (NL) Constanța (Romania) and Inuvik (NWT) to work and train with outstanding departments.

Was there any specific event that first interested you in becoming a firefighter?  

As a kid, I always had admiration for the big trucks and the work of the local departments.

What is your favourite part of volunteering for Comox Fire Rescue?

The amount of enthusiasm that is present every day at the station is very palpable.  It’s a very real reflection of the Valley and its very valuable to me.

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

Sports are big part of my life, I’m a die-hard Philadelphia Eagles and Montréal Canadiens fan. Also, I really enjoy spending time in nature camping and hiking all around.

"Alexandre has been a great addition to our team.” Chief Schreiner states.  “It is because of people like Alexandre that we have a great department and can provide outstanding services to our citizens. Thanks for your dedication and joining our team.”

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: