Comox Fire Rescue provides a variety of preventive and emergency services to a population of over 18,000 in an area of 16 square miles. This includes the Town of Comox, the Comox Fire Protection Improvement District, the Bates Huband Local Service Area (Regional District of Comox-Strathcona), and the Comox Indian Band. They also operate the Comox Fire Training Centre, which trains firefighters from all over Vancouver Island, and even parts of BC and the rest of Canada. The training centre is certified by the JIBC.
Could you provide a brief background of your fire service career?
My fire service career began in 2016 with Comox Fire Rescue. When my family moved to the valley, I was looking for a way to serve my community. Comox Fire Rescue was a great fit in terms of opportunity, challenge and comraderie.
Was there any specific event that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?
Who doesn’t want to be a firefighter? ;-) When we first moved here I brought my boys over to look at the engines, and Chief Schreiner came out and introduced himself. He explained to me how the department operated and served our community. I was very impressed with the organization. That initial meeting spurned me on to submit my application to CFR. Since Comox Fire Rescue is a training centre for the Justice Institute of British Columbia, it’s a perfect place to get extremely high-quality training on a part-time basis. That was a great fit for me and my family.
What is your favourite part of volunteering for Comox Fire Rescue?
Two things: the first is the wonderful comraderie shared amongst our firefighters. I’ve made some great friends in the department and it’s really helped us assimilate into community here in the Comox Valley. Secondly, as I like to call it, is that I receive ‘free superhero training’! The things we learn and train for as firefighters is very challenging but also a lot of fun and extremely rewarding. Comox Fire Rescue also has an extremely high focus on safety first in it’s training. This comes together in quite an amazing opportunity to serve ones community in a very unique way.
Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
Family comes first for me. My wife and I have three children that keep us very busy. Our sons are nine, seven and we have a three-year-old daughter. I also volunteer at our church teaching Sunday school. I am a carpenter by trade and work part time for myself. I play hockey, attempt to keep fit, enjoy reading and financial planning.
What are some major changes you have seen in the fire service industry during your career?
Since I am fairly new to the fire service industry, I have not seen many changes. But what has amazed me is how technology is such a valuable and useful tool in the fire service. As I have talked to other firefighters from around the country, I have come to appreciate how progressive Comox Fire Rescue is in implementing the latest advances in training and equipment. The fact that I feel very safe when entering a burning structure is quite amazing to me.
Chief Schreiner states, "Stefan has been a great addition to our team. It is because of people like Stefan that we have a great department and can provide outstanding services to our citizens. Keep up the great work Stefan"
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.
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
This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Firefighter Jessica James
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.”
This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Firefighter Adam Ravenstein
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.”
