Comox Fire Rescue Enhances Firefighter Safety with New Breathing Apparatus Decontamination Unit

Comox Fire Rescue has made a progressive step forward by acquiring a cutting-edge breathing apparatus decontamination unit, marking a significant advancement in firefighter health and safety measures.

The new unit is designed to effectively clean and decontaminate firefighters’ personal protective equipment, including breathing apparatus, helmets, gloves, boots and other small equipment. This state-of-the-art technology ensures a thorough decontamination process, minimizing the risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals and carcinogenic particles encountered during firefighting operations. 

Studies have shown that firefighters have a significantly higher risk of being diagnosed with various forms of cancer than the general population. This is due to the hazardous chemicals and carcinogenic particles that they are exposed to in the line of duty on a regular basis.

“Keeping our members safe and healthy is our number one priority,” said Fire Chief Gord Schreiner. “The investment into this decontamination unit is one more way to support our crew – these newer technologies are needed to keep them protected now and into the future.”

Comox Fire Rescue has long been at the forefront of cancer reduction initiatives, implementing rigorous cleaning protocols for their response jackets and pants after every fire. However, the manual decontamination of breathing apparatus and other equipment posed challenges until purchasing this new unit.

This new piece of equipment was co-funded by the Province through their Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (30K) and the Comox Firefighters Association through funds raised by the Comox Fire Training Centre (20K).

Media Contact:

Gord Schreiner, Fire Chief   

firehall@comox.ca
250-339-2432

Meet our Members: WEP Firefighter Jared Swant

This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Work Experience Firefighter Jared Swant.

Jared 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?

The reasons for my interest and drive to become a Firefighter is the amazing influence I've had growing up with my Mother, Father and Step Dad all being Structural Firefighters. I guess you could say I was born to do this amazing job, not to mention my passion for giving back to the community.

Tell us about your family.

My family's from North Vancouver, British Columbia. My mother and step father were Vancouver Firefighters and my dad was a North Vancouver District Firefighter, all are retired and enjoying life. I have 3 wonderful sisters. Through retirement my mom and step dad Dan moved to Comox Valley 7 years go to settle down and live in one of the most beautiful places in the Canada.

What is your regular “Day Job”?

My regular day job is a Red Seal Carpenter, specializing in home renovations. When I'm not swinging my hammer I'm fighting forest fires in the spring and summer months in BC.

Tell us about the passion in your life.

My passion in life is family, friends and adventure. Always trying new things and striving to be the best I can be, in the short time we have on this Earth.

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

The most amazing thing that I've experienced in life so far has been all the travelling I've done across 11 different countries. From learning new languages to experiencing new cuisine and cultures, this has had a positive lasting impact on me.

Do you have any fire service goals?

My Fire Service goals are to become the best career Firefighter I can possibly be.  Accumulating many specialized certifications and training, so I may serve with pride the community I work in. 

“We are very excited to have Jared 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 Rescue has had several Work Experence Program firefighters over the last years, with many moving on to full time firefighting careers. The WEPs receive NO pay, but they are provided a bedroom in the fire station.

Thanks for joining our team Jared!

Meet our Members: Aimee Flemmer

This week on "Meet our Members", we interview new Recruit Aimee Flemmer.

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

Since childhood, when my teacher assigned the classic "what do you want to be when you grow up" task, I've always written down "firefighter." My innate desire to help people, ensure their safety, and provide education has been a constant. I enjoy working with the community, and let's be honest, who doesn't love an adrenaline rush?

Tell us a bit about your family

My parents, Greg and Jeanette, reside in White Rock. My mom is a flight attendant, and my retired dad enjoys his well-deserved leisure. I have a sister, Carley, three years younger, who resides in Scotland as an occupational therapist. Despite the distance, we've travelled together, creating numerous laughs and cherished memories. We'll reunite in May for my sister's wedding in Italy.

What is your regular “Day Job?

After leaving my position as the Manager of Administration at Metis Nation British Columbia upon relocating to Comox, I am currently exploring new job opportunities.

Tell us about your passion in life.

My passion revolves around giving back and helping others. I previously coached youth softball in Surrey and aspire to return to coaching in Comox. I love playing and watching sports, I play slo-pitch and volleyball. I adore outdoor activities like hiking and cold plunging. Love a good tree hug. Spending time laughing and enjoying life with friends and family. Travelling is a significant passion of mine. I spent four years as a flight attendant, which afforded me the incredible opportunity to explore a substantial part of the world. Despite having seen a lot, there's still so much more to discover.

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

This year, I compiled a list of things I wanted to try, selecting a new activity each week, ranging from axe-throwing to skydiving, sewing, and painting. Among these, my favourite was spontaneously flying to Rome for 72 hours to indulge in pizza, pasta, and gelato—an unforgettable solo adventure.

Do you have any fire service goals?

I am enthusiastic about learning and growing with Comox Fire. While I'm still undecided about pursuing a career, my goal is to become the best firefighter I can be, challenging myself daily, and giving back to the community.

“Welcome to our team Aimee and to Comox.” says Comox Fire Rescue Chief, Gord Schreiner.  “We look forward to working and training with you as you begin your fire service career.”

Meet our Members: Ainhoa Ijurko

This week on "Meet our Members", we interview new Recruit Ainhoa Ijurko.

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

I was introduced to the Fire Service at a young age as I grew up with my father being a Firefighter for most of my life. Personally I took great interest in the work he did. Additionally, I wanted to be part of both, a tight community involving members as well as the Comox Valley.

Tell us a bit about your family

My family consists of both my parents and a younger brother. We all grew up in Spain and lived there until 2015 in which we made the big decision to move to Canada! We are all very close and love to do activities like mountain biking, traveling, hiking and such together.

What is your regular “Day Job?

I am currently attending school in Bachelors of Science in Nursing, while also working a online Social Media/Marketing position with multiple companies. 

Tell us about your passion in life.

My true passion is in Downhill mountain bike racing. Any day spent on the bike for me is an amazing day. While I love competing overseas at Downhill World Cups, I also enjoy traveling to the local events. Apart from mountain biking, I do have a great passion for Health Care which led me to my decision to become an RN in addition to joining the fire service.

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

Everyday seems to get better and better for me! I am thankful for all the experiences I have gone through with traveling, competing, and meeting new people to name a few, while also being very thankful for all the recent and future things to come!

Do you have any fire service goals?

I believe that the Fire service offers a great opportunity in helping the Comox Community in many aspects. One of my main goals is to learn as much as in this process so I can provide the best version of myself to helping the community.

“Welcome to our team Ainhoa.” says Comox Fire Rescue Chief, Gord Schreiner.  “We look forward to working and training with you as you start your fire service career.”

Meet our Members: Thor Nybo

This week on "Meet our Members", we interview new Recruit Thor Nybo.

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

As a kid I always looked up to our family friends who were firefighters. I want to be the person I looked up to as a kid.

Tell us a bit about your family

I’m blessed with a great family. One older sister, a twin sister, and two supportive parents! My family loves to travel. When I was younger, we spent close to two years living in Hawaii.

What is your regular “Day Job?

I’m currently a student graduating in June 2024.

Tell us about your passion in life.

My passion is helping people, weight lifting, reading philosophy, and anything involving bettering myself, really. 

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

The most amazing thing I’ve experienced so far, was being a leader for Sonz Youth in North Carolina. I was asked to help guide young boys through a right-of-passage out in the wilderness. 

Do you have any fire service goals?

I would like to be a career fire fighter in Vancouver. 

“Welcome to our team Thor.” says Comox Fire Rescue Chief, Gord Schreiner.  “We look forward to working and training with you as you start your fire service career.”