Captain Bill Windram retires after 42 years with Comox Fire Rescue

Bill Windram started his career with Comox Fire Rescue on February 1, 1981, responding to thousands of calls and an incalculable number of training hours over the past 42 years.

On February 1, 2023, Windram will continue the tradition of taking his helmet home after an amazing fire service career.

Windram has been an integral part of the department, starting as a recruit in 1981, progressing to Lieutenant and Captain, training new firefighters, pump and driver training, all the while showing professionalism and pride in the fire service.

“I am proud to have worked alongside you and greatly appreciate your support and friendship over these years. I am sure our friendship will last forever.” says Comox Fire Rescue Chief, Gord Schreiner.

Windram also served as our Chairperson for the Comox Firefighters Association. His wisdom and solid contribution help guide the Comox Firefighters Association to become what it is today in helping and giving back to the community.

“You leave big boots to fill and although you will be greatly missed, I believe that others will step up and continue to build on your legacy.” says Schreiner.

Best wishes Bill on your retirement. You will be missed by all in the department and fire service. Congratulations to you on an amazing career and thank you for all your service to the Town of Comox and the Comox Fire Protection District.

Meet our Members: Firefighter Gino Tang

This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Firefighter Gino Tang.

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

I was working in marketing and kept feeling like I had more to offer to the world. I happened to watch the movie “Only The Brave” and instantly knew what I wanted to do!

Tell us a bit about your family

I am the oldest of 3 in my family, I have a younger sister and brother who both live in Calgary. I now live in Comox with my girlfriend, Linley, and our two cats Kitten and Nyla.

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What is your regular “Day Job”

I work as a firefighter at CFB Comox.

Tell us about your passion in life.

In my time off from firefighting, I like to go mountain biking, skiing, and camping in my van!

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

I would say good friendships! I have met so many amazing people who are always willing to lend a hand and have your back. I believe these relationships are invaluable and love all of the amazing things I get to do with friends.

Do you have any fire service goals?

I would like to continue to expand my skill set and learn as much as I can in order to protect my community to the best of my ability.

“Thank you for joining our team Gino.” says Comox Fire Rescue Chief Gord Schreiner. "Great people make for a great organization, and we look forward to working and training with you Gino."

Comox Fire Rescue - 2022 Awards Night

Comox Fire Rescue held its annual Awards Night this past Saturday, November 26th. This was the first full in person Awards presentations since 2019 due to Covid restrictions.

The department continued its tradition of recognizing members for various contributions to the fire department

Captain Rob Stevens was presented his provincial 25 year medal. Lieutenant Ron Barrow was presented his federal 20 year medal and Lieutenant Elsa Gilroy was recognized for her 10 years of service.

Tammy Blair and Leif Lefevre were named Rookies of the Year, while Firefighter Ryan Chittle was awarded the Firefighter of the Year.

Firefighter Sacha Scott received the “Stewart Rennie Memorial Award” titled, “I Made a Difference.”

Firefighter Andrew Pisano received the "Kevin Kimler Memorial Award” titled, “Above and Beyond.

Captain Pascal Lafreniere was recognized for completing Fire Officer 4, and Lieutenant Brent Craven for Fire Officer 2.

“I am so proud of all of our members,” said Comox Fire Chief Gord Schreiner. “It takes a very special person to volunteer for anything, let alone to be a firefighter and an even better person to serve for many, many years. We are very demanding of our firefighters and expect a very high level of training and effectiveness from them. We are very fortunate, here in Comox, to have such a great group of firefighters assisting our community in so many ways.

Comox Fire Rescue has six full-time and 50 highly trained part-time members. They provide most of the services typical of a larger fire department and will responded to over 900 emergency incidents this year.

“Our firefighters are our most important asset. We are a successful organization because of all the great people we have within the organization.” states Schreiner.

For more information about Comox Fire Rescue and the services they offer please see: www.comoxfirerescue.org

Meet our Members: WEP Firefighter Jonny Podolski

This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Work Experience Firefighter Jonny Podolski.

Jonnny 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?

My best friends father was a Captain with the City of Vancouver. I always admired who he was as a person and the way he carried himself. The respect he earned was something special to me.

Tell us about your family.

I'm the youngest of 4 with having 2 older sisters and a brother. My parents came from Poland and happened to reside in Vancouver. I'm also a proud of uncle of 4 nephews and a niece.

What is your regular “Day Job”?

I work for the City of Burnaby. I deal with utilities and have experience in both water and wastewater.

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

I've had many amazing experiences in my life but the experience of being a uncle would top them off.

Do you have any fire service goals?

I would love to become a career firefighter. I've been fortunate and I am proud to be apart of Comox Fire Rescue, as it has been the best decision in my life so far.

“We are very excited to have Jonny join our Work Experience Program.” says Comox Fire Rescue's Chief Gord Schreiner. “He will be living at the fire station for up to 100 days. This will allow him 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 Jonny!

Meet our Members: Firefighter Bob Mitchell

This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Firefighter Bob Mitchell.

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

My grandfather and uncle were volunteer firefighters in my hometown of Twillingate in Newfoundland. When I was a kid I spent a lot of time around the fire station so I guess it grew on me.

Tell us a bit about your family

I have been married to my beautiful wife Renee for 17 years and we have two sons. Hayden is 16 and Jackson is 14.

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What is your regular “Day Job”

I am a member of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Tell us about your passion in life.

I like to think that I have a passion for helping people, which is why I enjoy being a volunteer firefighter.

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

The birth of my children has to be the most amazing thing I have ever experienced. I don’t think anything is going to top that.

Do you have any fire service goals?

I want to become a driver and pump operator.

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

"Bob brings many years of firefighting experice from several departments." states Schreiner. "We look forward to working and training with you Bob."