Comox Fire Rescue provides a variety of preventive and emergency services to a population of over 18,000 in an area of 16 square miles. This includes the Town of Comox, the Comox Fire Protection Improvement District, the Bates Huband Local Service Area (Regional District of Comox-Strathcona), and the Comox Indian Band. They also operate the Comox Fire Training Centre, which trains firefighters from all over Vancouver Island, and even parts of BC and the rest of Canada. The training centre is certified by the JIBC.
The Summer Student program for 2020 has completed at Comox Fire Rescue. Thanks large in part to a Federal Student funding program, the Department had 2 students working full time during July and August.
Students Declan VanderVaate and Sam Jeffers on their last day with Assistant Chief Rick Shelton and Captain Corey Brooks
Sam Jeffers and Declan VanderVaate spent the last 8 weeks assisting the Fire Department in many areas including, prevention, housekeeping, maintenance, service delivery as well as many other tasks around the Fire Station.
Sam Jeffers works on footing the ladder
Sam Jeffers returned to work for Comox Fire Rescue returned again after working the summer of 2019. Sam will be moving to Ontario in September to begin his Paramedic training.
Declan VanderVaate was a member of the Youth Camp in 2018 and spent 4 days training with other high school students, learning and experiencing a wide range of skills during the camp. Declan has also joined Comox Fire Rescue as a Recruit, and has started his First Responder and Fire Fighting training as regular member.
Declan VanderVaate training with water supply
“Comox Fire Rescue has had great experiences over the last 5 years with the Summer Student Program.” says Comox Fire Chief Gord Schreiner. “It’s a Win-Win for both the Students and the Department as it gives them a great deal of experience working in a fast paced environment as well as learning a great deal of new skills. Many of the past students have continued in the Fire Service, both at Comox Fire and with the Canadian Military”
For more information about future Summer Student programs at Comox Fire Rescue, contact firehall@comox.ca
This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Firefighter Jessica James
Comox Fire Rescue: Tell us a bit about yourself Jessica:
In 2014, I began schooling at Lambton College in Ontario where I completed 1 year of Pre-Service Firefighting. Afterwards, I completed a two year Advanced Diploma in Fire Science Technologies from the same college. After graduation, I applied to the Canadian Forces, and in early 2018 was accepted and enrolled as a FireFighter. I completed Basic Military Qualifications, more FireFighting training in Borden, Ontario, and was posted to 19 Wing Comox Fire Hall in February, 2020.
Was there a specific even that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?
When I was younger my family and I would attend yearly pancake breakfasts, or FireFighter’s breakfasts at the local volunteer halls in our community. I was always fascinated with the trucks and the firefighters, and dreamt of becoming a firefighter myself one day. From a young age I was able to identify and have a desire for the sense of community and camaraderie that accompanied those within the Fire Service. My passion continued to grow as I did, and still does as I learn more about the Fire Service every single day.
Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
In my time off from Fire Fighting, I enjoy many outdoor activities such as paddle boarding, mountain biking, playing disc golf, hiking, camping, gardening, and going to the gym. I also love to cook and bake!
What is your favourite part of volunteering for Comox Fire Rescue?
My favourite part about volunteering for Comox Fire Rescue is getting the opportunity to train and work with the many amazing members of CFR. Everyone has been beyond inviting, and helpful when it comes to showing me new tricks of the trade and helping me find my footing in a new Fire Hall. The level of commitment and dedication from the members is truly inspiring.
“Comox Fire Rescue is fortunate to have so many great members that are also firefighters at 19 Wing. says Chief Gord Schreiner. “Thanks for your dedication and joining our team Jessica.”
This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Firefighter Adam Ravenstein
Comox Fire Rescue: Tell us a bit about yourself Adam:
I first got into firefighting back in 2012 in my hometown of Cranbrook B.C. After my course I did wildland firefighting and was a volunteer with the local areas Search and Rescue squad. I then joined the military as a firefighter in 2014 and have been in Comox ever since.
Was there a specific even that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?
When I was a teenager I realized I wanted to be a firefighter, I wanted to be able to help people when they need it and have the special training in order to do so.
Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
Sports and fitness have been a big part of my life. I love watching the NBA and the Toronto Raptors, as well as going outside and mountain biking in Cumberland on my off days.
What is your favourite part of volunteering for Comox Fire Rescue?
The best part of volunteering with Comox Fire Rescue is definitely the people. Since I’ve started, everybody has been extremely helpful and have made me feel like I’ve been around for years. I wanted to join Comox Fire Rescue because I want to give back to the community that I’ve called home for the past several years.
"We are happy to have Adam join our team.” Chief Gord Schreiner states. “Comox Fire Rescue is fortunate to have so many great members that are also firefighters at 19 Wing. Thanks for your dedication and joining our team.”
This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Firefighter Andrew Patterson
Comox Fire Rescue: Tell us a bit about yourself Andrew:
I am from Hamilton, Ontario and have been in the military for just about 18 years. I spent my first 10 years in the Infantry with The 2nd battalion Royal Canadian Regiment. I completed an occupational transfer to become an RCAF firefighter in April 2012. After attending the fire academy in Borden, Ontario I was posted to 8 Wing Trenton in Ontario where I spent about 7 years as a firefighter as well as almost a year with Station 1 Quinte West Fire Department. I was posted to 19 Wing Comox in July 2019.
Was there a specific even that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?
The specific event that made me interested in becoming a firefighter was the attacks of September 11th, 2001. I had just started my second year in college. I was taking Law and Security Administration and had planned on becoming a police officer but that day changed everything in my life.
As soon as I graduated I joined the infantry to defend this country against threats like the Taliban. I was able to do that when I was deployed in January 2007 to Kandahar, Afghanistan. I remembered the thousands of innocent people that were killed on that terrible day and the 343 FDNY firefighters that made the ultimate sacrifice. While others were running out they were running in to try and save as many people as possible. I knew when I came home from the war that I wanted to try and become a firefighter and have been blessed to be able to do that. I truly believe it is the greatest job in the world.
Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
Outside of being a fire fighter I love spending time with my beautiful wife Patty (yes, her name is Patty Patterson! Lol) and my amazing kids Jasmine who is 12 and son Arlo who is 9. We love camping in our travel trailer, canoeing, paddle boarding and hiking.
What is your favourite part of volunteering for Comox Fire Rescue?
I feel blessed living in such a beautiful place here in the Comox Valley. I am very grateful and excited to be a member of Comox Fire Rescue. I had heard about how great of an organization it is from talking to my fellow firefighters on the base who also happen to be Comox firefighters. I absolutely love being a firefighter and am just blown away by how great of a department Comox is!
If you could change one thing about the fire service, what would it be?
Absolutely nothing. I find it perfect. We’re able to everyday to be a part of this incredible community and help it’s residents in their time of need.
"Comox Fire Rescue is fortunate to have so many great members that are also full time firefighters at 19 Wing. They bring a great deal of training and experience to the department. Thank you for joining and for your commitment Andrew." says Comox Fire Rescue Chief Gord Schreiner.
