Meet our Members: Recruit Tammy Blair

This week on "Meet our Members", we interview new Recruit Tammy Blair, who joined in April of 2022

Was there a specific event or reason for you to be interested in becoming a firefighter?

As a teenager I admired the strength training and courage of firefighters at my hometown firehall. It was always a career I thought about pursuing, but I focused on trade school first. Then, as a young adult my dad died of a massive heart attack. When I arrived at his side, there had been several firefighters and paramedics who had tried to revive him. I respected their fight to save my dad’s life for us. I would be honoured to return similar compassion, skills and care to those in our community.

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Tell us a bit about your family

We moved to Comox four years ago from Vancouver because we fell in love with the community and its surroundings. This is home. My wife and I have two children, a husky dog and two rabbits. We enjoy camping, surfing, swimming, kayaking, snowboarding, hiking and baking/cooking together. Since our move here we find ourselves traveling to local surf more often and finding new places to explore together.

What is your regular “Day Job”

I am a Relief “Postie” for Canada Post, here in Courtenay/Comox. I enjoy the challenge of carrying the mail and interacting with the customers. The times when I’m not covering shifts, you can find me in my workshop. I have a small business - Blair Woods, from which I design & build custom furniture pieces and small woodcraft items.

Tell us about your passion in life.

Spending time immersed in what I love; time with family/ friends, adventure, surfing, beach combing, hiking, roller skating, growing house plants, having a creative outlet and learning new skills.

Tell us about the most amazing thing you have experienced so far in life.

I’d have to say childbirth!  I found it an honour to grow and love something I hadn’t met. Then, Bam! Baby born, held, instant connection, instant love! From surreal to real, pretty wild!

Do you have any fire service goals?

To be a person in the community who you can trust and rely on, by using the skills I’ve learned from my training Captain, Lieutenant and team at Comox Fire Rescue.

“Thank you for joining our team Tammy.” says Comox Fire Rescue Chief Gord Schreiner.

"Becoming a firefigher takes a great deal of time and dedication by not only the firefighter, but their family as well. We look forward to training and working with you Tammy." states Schreiner. "Best of luck on your fire service career."

Meet our Members: WEP Firefighter Emma Farrell

This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Work Experience Firefighter Emma Farrell.

Emma will be at Comox Fire Rescue for approximately 100 days working 40 hours a week as a voluntary position gaining valuable experience in the department's Work Experience Program (WEP).

WEP members live at the firehall during their stay allowing them to gain experience responding to calls as well as training.

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

I wanted a job that was dynamic and that wasn’t in an office environment. When I started exploring different career paths I found that every firefighter I spoke to truly loved their job. Once I started going down this road I realized that I truly enjoy being a first responder and haven’t looked back since. Comox is a truly beautiful place. I’m so excited to learn at this facility and I can’t think of a better place to spend the next 100 days.

Tell us about your family.

I was born an only child in Vancouver before my parents moved us to Lake Country, BC. My mom was a radio personality in Vancouver for 15 years. 

My dad is an avid cyclist and fisherman who originally introduced me to Comox when he started taking me to this part of the island on fishing trips.

What is your regular “Day Job”?

For the past two years I’ve worked at a womens shelter in Vancouvers DTES. On the winter weekends I patrol at Mt Seymour.  

Tell us about your passion in life

I really enjoy learning new skills. During the pandemic I took sign language classes over zoom and am teaching myself Spanish. I worked for years in fine dining where I learned so much about cooking with seasonal ingredients. I’ve taken to ski patrol because there is so much to learn in a practical environment. Otherwise I love being outside, surfing, hiking, and cooking on a fire. 

Tell us about the most amazing thing you have experienced so far in life.

Fishing just off of Hornby and seeing a pod of orcas swim circles around grey whales. And seeing the northern lights in Yellowknife earlier this month.

Do you have any fire service goals?

My ultimate goal is to become a career firefighter for the City of Vancouver. 

“We are very excited to have Emma 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.

Thanks for joining our team Emma!

Comox Fire Rescue Summer Student Program 2020

The Summer Student program for 2020 has completed at Comox Fire Rescue. Thanks large in part to a Federal Student funding program, the Department had 2 students working full time during July and August.

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Students Declan VanderVaate and Sam Jeffers on their last day with Assistant Chief Rick Shelton and Captain Corey Brooks

Sam Jeffers and Declan VanderVaate spent the last 8 weeks assisting the Fire Department in many areas including, prevention, housekeeping, maintenance, service delivery as well as many other tasks around the Fire Station.

Sam Jeffers works on footing the ladder

Sam Jeffers returned to work for Comox Fire Rescue returned again after working the summer of 2019. Sam will be moving to Ontario in September to begin his Paramedic training.

Declan VanderVaate was a member of the Youth Camp in 2018 and spent 4 days training with other high school students, learning and experiencing a wide range of skills during the camp. Declan has also joined Comox Fire Rescue as a Recruit, and has started his First Responder and Fire Fighting training as regular member.

Declan VanderVaate training with water supply

“Comox Fire Rescue has had great experiences over the last 5 years with the Summer Student Program.” says Comox Fire Chief Gord Schreiner. “It’s a Win-Win for both the Students and the Department as it gives them a great deal of experience working in a fast paced environment as well as learning a great deal of new skills.  Many of the past students have continued in the Fire Service, both at Comox Fire and with the Canadian Military”

For more information about future Summer Student programs at Comox Fire Rescue, contact firehall@comox.ca

Meet our Members - Jessica James

This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Firefighter Jessica James

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

In 2014, I began schooling at Lambton College in Ontario where I completed 1 year of Pre-Service Firefighting. Afterwards, I completed a two year Advanced Diploma in Fire Science Technologies from the same college. After graduation, I applied to the Canadian Forces, and in early 2018 was accepted and enrolled as a FireFighter. I completed Basic Military Qualifications, more FireFighting training in Borden, Ontario, and was posted to 19 Wing Comox Fire Hall in February, 2020.

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

When I was younger my family and I would attend yearly pancake breakfasts, or FireFighter’s breakfasts at the local volunteer halls in our community. I was always fascinated with the trucks and the firefighters, and dreamt of becoming a firefighter myself one day. From a young age I was able to identify and have a desire for the sense of community and camaraderie that accompanied those within the Fire Service. My passion continued to grow as I did, and still does as I learn more about the Fire Service every single day.

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

In my time off from Fire Fighting, I enjoy many outdoor activities such as paddle boarding, mountain biking, playing disc golf, hiking, camping, gardening, and going to the gym. I also love to cook and bake!

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

My favourite part about volunteering for Comox Fire Rescue is getting the opportunity to train and work with the many amazing members of CFR. Everyone has been beyond inviting, and helpful when it comes to showing me new tricks of the trade and helping me find my footing in a new Fire Hall. The level of commitment and dedication from the members is truly inspiring. 

“Comox Fire Rescue is fortunate to have so many great members that are also firefighters at 19 Wing.   says Chief Gord Schreiner. “Thanks for your dedication and joining our team Jessica.”

Meet our Members - Adam Ravenstein

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

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

I first got into firefighting back in 2012 in my hometown of Cranbrook B.C. After my course I did wildland firefighting and was a volunteer with the local areas Search and Rescue squad. I then joined the military as a firefighter in 2014 and have been in Comox ever since.

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

When I was a teenager I realized I wanted to be a firefighter, I wanted to be able to help people when they need it and have the special training in order to do so.

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

Sports and fitness have been a big part of my life. I love watching the NBA and the Toronto Raptors, as well as going outside and mountain biking in Cumberland on my off days.

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

The best part of volunteering with Comox Fire Rescue is definitely the people. Since I’ve started, everybody has been extremely helpful and have made me feel like I’ve been around for years.  I wanted to join Comox Fire Rescue because I want to give back to the community that I’ve called home for the past several years.

"We are happy to have Adam join our team.” Chief Gord Schreiner states.  “Comox Fire Rescue is fortunate to have so many great members that are also firefighters at 19 Wing. Thanks for your dedication and joining our team.”