Meet our Members: Recruit Ashley Chalmers

This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Recruit Ashley Chalmers.

Was there a specific event that first interested you in becoming a firefighter?

I’ve always been drawn to roles that serve others—first in healthcare and now in real estate—but firefighting combines that passion with teamwork, physical challenge, and being there for my community in critical moments. Moving to Comox was about resetting and embracing new opportunities, and when I saw the chance to serve as a firefighter, I knew it was something I had to pursue.

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Tell us about your family.

My husband, Jordan, and I have two incredible kids, Tyson (almost 16) and Khloe (almost 13). We are a very close family and love spending time together. In July 2024, we moved to Comox from Langley (Mainland) to reset and heal after an incredibly difficult period—losing both of my parents and my mother-in-law in just ten months. My roots are in dairy farming, and family has always been at the center of my life.

What is your regular “Day Job”?

I’m a licensed real estate professional and have been selling real estate for nine years. Before that, I spent nearly a decade in the healthcare industry. Both careers have shaped my ability to connect with people, work under pressure, and adapt quickly—skills that I know will serve me well in firefighting.

Tell us about the passion in your life.

My biggest passion is my family. My husband and children are my world, and I love adventuring with them and watching them grow. Beyond that, I have a deep passion for staying active. Whether it’s running trails, playing soccer, slo-pitch, or any activity that keeps me moving, I thrive on the challenge and the energy that being physically active brings to my life. I also love to travel and experience new things! 

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

I’ve had some incredible experiences—traveling to Europe and Australia with my grandparents for 42 days at a time in a motorhome, growing up on a dairy farm, and building a career I love. But nothing comes close to the experience of growing and giving birth to two amazing humans. There’s nothing that compares to that.

Do you have any fire service goals?

My goal is to train to the best of my ability so that I can confidently serve and protect the people in my community. I want to develop the skills, strength, and knowledge to be an asset to my team and make a real difference when it matters most.

“ Welcome to our department Ashley." says Comox Fire Rescue's Chief Gord Schreiner. “We look forward to training and working with you as you begin your Fire Service career."

Meet our Members: Recruit Noah James

This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Recruit Noah James.

Was there a specific event that first interested you in becoming a firefighter?

Not a specific reason per se but a value and desire to have an active role supporting my community. My family spans many public service roles including healthcare, military service, and even fire rescue. Comox, and the valley is my home. Joining Comox Fire Rescue was a great way to marry my values of community, physical well-being, and desire to continue lifelong learning.

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Tell us about your family.

My parents Colin and Leah live in Ontario where I was born and raised. They continue to be the motivation, support, and foundation that enables me to succeed in life. I am the oldest of four. Mark, Rebecca, and Elizabeth are my younger siblings. While my sisters are still in Ontario, Mark made the brave decision to move with me to Comox right out of high school. He has worked hard to land on his feet and may even be a future Comox Fire member one-day... My partner Megan is a Paediatrics and Maternal Health Nurse at the Comox hospital. She is my rock, cheerleader, and so much more! I could not imagine becoming a firefighter or pursuing my career goals without her. Together we have 3 cats at home, Ginny (orange), Maeve (Grey), and Finnegan. My mother in-law, Jailynn, is a huge supporter. She welcomed Megan and I home to the West Coast this summer and drove with me and the moving truck from Ontario this past summer. Family is important to me, and I look forward to servicing the Comox family.

What is your regular “Day Job”?

I have spent many years in university and simultaneously working a variety of jobs from commercial truck driving to cutting-edge medical research, to grounds keeping. Currently, I work as a legal assistant in Courtenay.

Tell us about the passion in your life.

It's hard to pick just one. I am passionate about health, learning, and food! I love to cook, bake, and of course eat! From homemade breads, cheeses, and meals to local restaurants I am passionate about good local food and sharing that experience with others. If you like homemade focaccia or pasta, I have the recipe for you!

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

In February 2018, I was fortunate to be selected from Army Cadets across Canada for the International Expedition that year to Southern Chile. There we hiked the entirety of the ‘W’ circuit, a mulit-day alpine hiking trail where we visited the base of the Torres Del Paine; fun fact - this natural wonder is picture on the 1000 Chilean Peso note! After this multi-day trek, we paddled further south in the Patagonia region, camping and paddling by massive glaciers in pristine water. The environment was challenging but through strong teamwork we were able to appreciate this beautiful region of the world while navigating extreme-remote environments. I will never forget this experience and how beautiful our natural world can be.  

Do you have any fire service goals?

My first goal is to successfully complete my initial training. Afterwards, I hope to continue acquiring new skills to better serve our community. I aim to complete my driver training as soon as I am able, having been a truck driver in the past, I love being on the road and driving fire service vehicles would be a childhood dream come true!

“Noah, we are excited to have you join our department." says Comox Fire Rescue's Chief Gord Schreiner. “We look forward to training and working with you as you begin your Fire Service career."

Meet our Members: Firefighter Jessica Lariviere

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

Was there a specific event that first interested you in becoming a firefighter?

There was not a specific event, however growing up in small town Seaforth, Ontario my family regularly attended the Firefighters Breakfasts, where I became fascinated with the fire trucks and many aspects of the Fire Service, such as the dedication to community and camaraderie.

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Tell us about your family.

I am so grateful to be married to my best friend, who also happens to be a firefighter. We met through the military when we were both posted to Borden, Ontario for training. In 2024 we welcomed our daughter, Marlowe, and she has been the absolute greatest joy. My sister has recently moved to Comox, and my mother, father and brother all still reside in Ontario, where I’m from. 

What is your regular “Day Job”?

I have been a Firefighter in the Canadian Armed Forces since 2018. I have been posted to 19 Wing Comox since 2020. 

Tell us about the passion in your life.

Aside from being very passionate about community service and emergency response, I also have a passion for cooking, biking, snowboarding, spending time with my little family, and more recently sewing!

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

The most amazing experience in my life has been becoming a Mother, and watching my husband become a Father. It has brought endless joy, growth, and laughter. I am so grateful for such an incredible experience, from growing her, to watching her grow before our eyes into who she will be. I don’t think anything will ever top that. 

Do you have any fire service goals?

Though I have many personal and professional goals, a large goal of mine is to continue educating myself and others about diversity, equity and inclusion, and to engage in initiatives to keep pushing us in a positive direction to continue fostering a more respectful and welcoming community within the Fire Service. 

“Jessica brings a great amount of experience and leadership to our department" says Comox Fire Rescue's Chief Gord Schreiner. “We are thankful to have her on our team."

Meet our Members: Recruit Rebecca Hofer

This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Recruit Rebecca Hofer.

Was there a specific event that first interested you in becoming a firefighter?

I don’t have a moment where I was “ ohh that’s what I want to do” or a specific incident where I realized I want to do be a firefighter. I’ve just never really grown out of the childhood dream of wanting to be a firefighter and in the past I’ve never really been in one place for long enough to make the commitment and now I live in a place that I like and have a job I actually enjoy and makes me want to stick around for the long term.

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Tell us about your family.

My family is quite lovely and pretty big. I have four brothers and one sister, we were raised very religious- very anabaptist- on a Hutterite community in Manitoba, which I left at 19. Three of my sibling are still back on the farm and two of them in Alberta. I also have two nieces and two nephews between ages 13 to three.   

What is your regular “Day Job”?

I don’t really have a “regular day job” but I’m currently working as a baker in Courtenay. When I started working there I had absolutely no baking experience, though I did have a fair bit of restaurant experience. It’s been a blast learning about and how to do many things including breads, croissants, cakes and even decorating cake. 

Tell us about the passion in your life.

I’m pretty passionate about a few things, especially about just generally moving my body, be it running or biking or just being in the forest. I love the forest! My absolute favourite thing to do in the forest and possibly just ever, is foraging for mushrooms and berries and other edible treasures.

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

I’ve had a few pretty  fun  experiences, currently sitting at number one was the time I got to hold a real tarantula and see an actual active volcano in Guatemala. 

Do you have any fire service goals?

Currently my number one goal is to finish my training, and then I think I’d like to get hired by a department as career firefighter. I would also love to do forest firefighting sometime in the future.  

“Welcome to Comox Fire Rescue Rebecca.” says Comox Fire Rescue's Chief Gord Schreiner. “We look forward to training and working with you as you begin your Fire Service career."

Meet our Members: Recruit Giovanni Vanzzini

This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Recruit Giovanni Vanzzini.

Was there a specific event that first interested you in becoming a firefighter?

I always had great respect and admiration for this profession and when I learned about what Comox Fire Rescue had to offer like the amazing training and the opportunity to be such an important part of the community, I had no doubt that this was the best option for me.

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Tell us about your family.

I’m originally from Mexico and my parents and siblings are still living there.  I’ve been in Canada for a long time now, living with my wife, Sara, and our two boys.  We love spending time in nature, having adventures, making food, gardening and learning new things together.  

What is your regular “Day Job”?

My jobs have been seasonal for a long time.  I work as a snowboard trainer and instructor in the winter.  I have had a few different jobs in the summer time but always related to outdoor guiding like zip line tours, paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, environmental  awareness and care, etc.  

Tell us about the passion in your life.

My jobs reflect my passions which are enjoying and caring about nature, finding and trying to reach my potential and sharing what I learn with others. Besides snowboarding , I also love mountain biking, hiking, paddling and playing soccer.  

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

I have travelled to different parts of the world, have seen many amazing places and have met amazing people. But the best of all has been becoming a dad and having lots of adventures with our two boys and my wife. 

Do you have any fire service goals?

My goal in the fire service is to always be my personal best in training and on the job. To be part of this great community with all the amazing members of the department and to support the larger community of Comox the best I can. 

“Gio has been a great addtion to our department.” says Comox Fire Rescue's Chief Gord Schreiner. “His committement and hard work is paying off as he and his recruit class near the end of their NFPA 1001/2 training. Keep up the great work Gio!"