This week on Meet our Members, we chat with Recruit Peter Palme, who joined Comox Fire Rescue in September 2020
What made you want to join Comox?
Comox Fire Rescue gave me the amazing opportunity to pursue my other great passions. I started training with Comox Fire Rescue in September 2020.
What is your favourite part of being at Comox Fire Rescue?
My favourite thing about Comox Fire is the opportunity to help our community. It is very rewarding to be part of such a great team with so many talented and dedicated members.
Tell us about your “Day Job”
I grew up in Clinton BC, my parents owned a campsite where I did a lot of fishing and hiking. I moved to the lower mainland for my post secondary education where I became qualified as a pilot. I then moved up to Yellowknife in order to pursue my career. Aviation brought me all over the world, surveying the rainforest in South America, flying in the high Arctic, Middle East and flying UN humanitarian missions across Africa. After 11 years, I moved back to BC with an amazing supportive wife and 2 great little boys. I spent 2 seasons flying a Convair 580 air tanker dropping retardant on forest fires throughout BC and Alberta, this is how I got a taste for fighting fires. Now, my day job is flying a Boeing 737 for WestJet.
What are your hobbies?
My biggest interest outside of the department is going skiing with my wife and 2 boys at Mount Washington. I also like to surf, paddleboard, fish and hike in the summer.
What is your Fire Service goal?
My goal with the department is to complete the full service fire fighter training and provide many years of service.
“Peter has been a great addition to our team.” says Fire Chief Gord Schreiner. “It takes a lot of time and commitment to become a Firefighter, and we are thankful for you and your family for joining Comox Fire Rescue. Keep up the good work!”
This week on Meet our Members, we chat with Firefighter Cameron McColl, who joined Comox Fire Rescue in 2016
Was there a specific event that first interested you in becoming a firefighter?
I was actually watching a Comox Fire Rescue training session from the comfort of my truck on the road, when I had one of the members come up to me to what I assume would be to ask me to move on but in fact when I rolled down the window he tossed me a challenge coin and said if you like this you should apply... I was in the next day and have never looked back since.
What is your favourite part of being at Comox Fire Rescue?
The Brotherhood / Sisterhood in the department. I had never seen anything like it in my working career and it has shown me the true meaning of team. Working through my 1001/2’s my platoon built not only amazing skills, but friendships that have lasted to this day. The Lieutenants, Captains and Chiefs are always there for us to coach us along the path of leadership.
Tell us about your family.
I am the oldest of two siblings, an uncle to one niece and waiting on my second niece due 2022.
I have a beautiful and smart fiancé, Carla, and two wonderful step children Weston & Hadley who are incredibly passionate about animals and the outdoors. We also have two dogs; Bear and Bunker.
What is your regular “Day Job”
I work at the Rio Tinto T2 project as an Emergency Response Lead and Underground Rescue Specialist. Coming from a Industrial Fire management background, my day to day is to look after my Platoon, on shift training & fire inspections. On site we cover an area reaching from sea level to 2900 feet in less than 20 kms. We have coverage for 1 town and 1 work camp, running all emergency services from Dispatch to Tech Rescues for the area.
What are your hobbies?
I love to get out with my stepson and go fishing any chance we get. I love to explore with the kiddos any of the local caves we can get into. We also camp quite a bit… although camping may not be the proper term as its in a 33' travel trailer.
What are some of your Fire Service goals?
Currently I am working through the Fire Safety Studies Diploma and working towards becoming an Emergency Response Coordinator for Civil works and or Industrial projects. I enjoy volunteering at Comox Fire Rescue in my off time and hope to continue this as a career path.
“Thank you for all your service and dedication to Comox Fire Rescue Cam.” says Fire Chief Gord Schreiner. “Glad to have you on our team, and keep up the great work.”
To celebrate Fire Prevention Week, Domino’s Pizza and the Courtenay and Comox fire departments are partnering to reward residents who have working smoke alarms in their homes with free pizza.
On Saturday, October 9, when Comox and Courtenay residents in single residential homes, duplexes and townhouses call Domino’s Pizza between 5p.m. and 9 p.m., they may find their pizza is delivered with the help of Comox or Courtenay fire fighters.
“Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives” says Comox Assistant Fire Chief Jim Lariviere. “Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly."
“We are very excited to be part of this program in conjunction with Dominos Pizza and Courtenay Fire.” Comox Fire Rescue Chief Gord Schreiner states.
Domino's Pizza
One of Comox Fire Rescue’s members became an official Canadian citizen on September 2nd.
“I believe that responsible and community-oriented citizens are what makes Canada and the world a better place.” states Ramon Ramirez, a Comox Fire Rescue member since 2016.
“After a few years as a Permanent Resident, I realized that my roots in Canada have grown strong, my wife and children are Canadian, I wear a fire fighter uniform with a Canadian flag on it, and all my friends and members of my fire family are proud Canadians.”
“Ramon has been a huge part of our organization since day one.” says Fire Chief Gord Schreiner. Like all our members, Ramon goes above and beyond everyday to make our community better.
“I feel very fortunate to be in Canada and contribute to my community. Everything I do, must have a HELP component, which is why I love working as a Business Broker. Outside my day job, I support my town through Comox Fire Rescue, my business community by volunteering as a director of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce, and as a Director of Rotary, I try to build a better world for those in need.
“It takes a great deal of time and dedication to be a fire fighter and this includes a big commitment from their families. We are very fortunate to have members like Ramon in our department.” says Schreiner.
“Being Canadian for me means to stand proud of the multiculturalism that Canada was build on, and welcomes. It means to stand strong against injustice and to build a culture of common good, friendship and understanding.” continues Ramirez.
“Thank you, CANADA, for the opportunity to do all of these!, and to my family, my fire family, friends and colleagues who make it easy to love Canada.”
“Congratulations Ramon, keep up the amazing work you do.” Schreiner adds.
This week on Meet our Members, we chat with Firefighter Andrew Pisano, who joined Comox Fire Rescue in May, 2021.
Was there a specific event that first interested you in becoming a firefighter?
My interest in firefighting started at a young age. While I was in middle school my local fire department would routinely visit to give fire prevention and life safety presentations to the students, from then it was always a goal to grow up and drive the firetrucks and protect my community.
What is your favourite part of being at Comox Fire Rescue?
I have always enjoyed the firehall atmosphere. Being surrounded by like minded individuals is both motivating and humbling. I love the ability to pass down my knowledge on to others as well as continue to grow and learn new life skills and new firefighting tactics. Everyone at Comox Fire Rescue has been welcoming to me as a new member.
Tell us about your family.
I’m the youngest of 4 in my family, I have 2 older brothers and 1 sister. I have 4 nieces. I’m the first of my family to work in the emergency services.
What is your regular “Day Job”
I work for the Canadian Armed Forces as a firefighter posted to CFB Comox. Prior to joining the CAF in 2019 I worked for the Canadian Coast Guard doing Search and Rescue on the Great Lakes in Ontario for 2 years. I’m also a certified paramedic in Ontario and currently transferring my qualifications to B.C so I can continue to practice as a paramedic.
What are your hobbies?
Outside of firefighting at Comox and my day job I enjoy being outdoors. I love to hike and explore new trails. I have a passion for cooking and hosting get togethers for friends and family.
What are some of your Fire Service goals?
My main goal is to continue to learn from others and grow as a firefighter. I love this job and its family of members because there is always something new to learn from one another.
“Thank you for joining our team” says Fire Chief Gord Schreiner. “We look forward to working and training with you.
