This week on “Meet our Members” we chat with Military Firefighter Alexandre Bolduc.
Comox Fire Rescue: Could you provide a brief background of your fire service career?
My introduction into the fire world has begun in September 2008 when I attended the Académie des Pompiers in Mirabel, Québec.
Since then I’ve went to the Canadian Forces Fire Academy in Borden, Ontario for my initial military firefighting training in 2015 and in 2019 for an attack team leader course. I’ve been stationed in the beautiful Comox Valley since 2015. During that span, I’ve travelled to Goose bay (NL) Constanța (Romania) and Inuvik (NWT) to work and train with outstanding departments.
Was there any specific event that first interested you in becoming a firefighter?
As a kid, I always had admiration for the big trucks and the work of the local departments.
What is your favourite part of volunteering for Comox Fire Rescue?
The amount of enthusiasm that is present every day at the station is very palpable. It’s a very real reflection of the Valley and its very valuable to me.
Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
Sports are big part of my life, I’m a die-hard Philadelphia Eagles and Montréal Canadiens fan. Also, I really enjoy spending time in nature camping and hiking all around.
"Alexandre has been a great addition to our team.” Chief Schreiner states. “It is because of people like Alexandre that we have a great department and can provide outstanding services to our citizens. Thanks for your dedication and joining our team.”
Comox Fire Rescue’s latest Work Experience Program has been a great success for Firefighter Courtney Ziegler, and for The Town of Comox.
Courtney joined department as a Work Experience Member at the start of January. She had been living at the Firehall, working and responding to calls in order to gain experience. During this time the WEP member receives no pay, but are provided a bedroom at the fire station and $200 per week for food allowance.
“I was very fortunate to be able to join Comox Fire’s WEP program to help further my skills as a firefighter, I was able to learn enormously from experienced and like minded individuals. says Firefighter Courtney Ziegler. “It had always been a dream of mine to live on Vancouver Island and pursue firefighting, I was able to live that reality and I am so grateful."
Courtney’s 100 days were cut short at the beginning of March for the COVID-19 Pandemic. Fortunately, she was able to return for the month of July to complete her 100 days of the Work Experience Program.
“It was very exciting to have another successful Work Experience Program” says Comox Fire Chief, Gord Schreiner.
“Courtney was able to respond to over 150 calls during her time with Comox Fire Rescue. Her hard work and dedication will go along way in her Fire Service Career. Good luck Courtney!”
Comox Fire has had several firefighters over the last years, with many moving on to full time firefighting careers.
For more information about Comox Fire Work Experience Program, or recruiting, please contact: 250-339-2432
http://www.comoxfirerescue.org/recruiting
5 new members have joined Comox Fire Rescue as Recruits.
Declan Vandervaate, Josh Tadeson, Pelle Campbell, Nic Gilroy, and Miguel Alvarez have begun their training for NFPA 1001/2 certification. The training process will include FR3 Medical Responder, Hazmat Operations, Exterior and Interior Firefighting, and much more.
“It takes a great deal of dedication and commitment to become a firefighter, and we thank all our members very much for joining.” states Comox Fire Chief Gord Schreiner.
The recruits have successfully completed their physical testing recently of the “Code 3 Challenge” which includes forcible entry skills, climbing 5 flights of stairs while carrying up a 40 lbs hose bundle, dragging a 165 lbs rescue dummy 100 feet, then deploying a 100 length of hose. All while wearing full turnout gear, in under 5 mins.
Comox Fire Rescue currently has over 43 NFPA 1001/2 trained firefighters and 10 more working towards certification.
“We are very fortunate to be able to provide the certification at Comox Fire for our members. The Officers and instructors work very hard to provide great training for all our members.” says Schreiner. “It is people like this that makes our organization so strong.”
For more information on joining Comox Fire Rescue, visit the link below
http://www.comoxfirerescue.org/recruiting
Comox Fire Rescue has a limited number of Wildfire Protection Kits for sale.
During a wildfire embers can be carried a long distance. Hot embers can easily ignite a dry roof or surrounding area. The WASP gutter mounted sprinkler system helps protect your home from these hot embers. The wildfire protection kits provide a simple and quick way to get water on your roof and surrounding area.
WASP is a trusted manufacturer of sprinkler equipment sold to fire departments throughout North America. The kits are quick and easy to install and come with everything needed to help protect a standard size home. No ladders or tools are required.
Comox Fire Gord Schreiner states: “Our fire department uses these same sprinklers in our structural protection trailer and throughout our province. They are designed to be quickly deployed in an area threaten by wildfire. We are pleased to be able to offer these to citizens so they can be better prepared in case of a wildfire in our area.”
The kits sell for $154.99 each and come with two adjustable, agricultural grade sprinkler heads designed to conserve water and work on very low pressure if required, two mounting brackets and two forestry grade flat garden type hoses. Any profits made from this project will be reinvested by the fire department into additional interface fire equipment.
For more information contact Chief Gord Schreiner at firehall@comox.ca
Some tips and procedures for cleaning at the firehall and trucks.
Stay Safe
