Comox Fire Rescue has teamed up with First Alert to provide free smoke/carbon monoxide alarms to members of the K’ómoks First Nation (KFN) community.
Comox Fire Rescue recognizes the value of having working smoke/carbon monoxide alarms.
Comox Fire Rescue, Gord Schreiner states: “We have a great relationship with KFN and have been providing them with full-service fire protection for many years. We are working hand in hand with them to try to ensure that all their homes having working alarms. As we all know, working alarms can saves lives”.
KFN members can contact or visit the Band office to pick up their free smoke/carbon monoxide alarms.
Other citizens served by Comox Fire Rescue can contact the Comox Fire station at 250-339-2432 or firehall@comox.ca to see if they too can get a free smoke/carbon monoxide alarm from the fire department.
As part of Fire Prevention week, Comox Fire Rescue, along with Courtenay Fire, are partnering with Dominos Pizza to recognize safety and the importance of working smoke alarms.
Comox residents who order from the Comox Dominos Pizza in the Comox Mall, 215 Port Augusta Street, 778-431-0222 between 5 and 8pm on Saturday, October 10th, may have their order delivered by members of Comox Fire Rescue in a Fire Engine.
Firefighters will ask occupants to check your smoke alarms, they may do this themselves so we can stay outside and hear it. As well, members will be in PPE if assistance is required.
If their smoke alarm is in working order and not expired, residents get their pizza order for FREE - funded by Dominos. If their smoke alarm(s) do not work, or need replacing, Comox Fire Rescue will provide them with free battery operated smoke alarm(s).
Comox Fire Rescue members can arrange to schedule a return visit for installation of new smoke alarms as well.
This year’s theme for Fire Prevention week is “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen! ™”, focusing on the importance of cooking safely: Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries.
Congrats to Firefighter Luke Schram who has completed his NFPA 1001/2 certification. He now receives his black helmet and black PPE. Lukes’ passion and dedication is outstanding and he is a great role model for others to follow. He has been a significant positive addition to our team and we look forward to working with Luke for many years. Well done Luke, we are very proud of you!
Today marks 19 years since September 11, 2001. A day that will be forever remembered and never forgotten. 343 Firefighters entered the World Trade Center buildings, never to return.
As a tribute and in memory to those fallen firefighters, along with other first responders lost that day, members of Comox Fire Rescue climbed laps of the five story training tower today.
Over 16 Firefighters did at least 25 laps today, with many completing more. This represents the 110 stories of the World Trade Center buildings. Over 500 floors were climbed today including 30 sets by 62 year old Assistant Chief Lariviere, and Chief Gord Schreiner doing over 200 this week.
“I’m so very proud of our team, an awesome group.” says Schreiner. “Events like this also bring our department closer together”
Most members did this event in full fire PPE, which weighs approximately 65 lbs. Some members performed this task on full air (SCBA).
“It filled me with such a sense of pride to see the amazing response from my fellow firefighters this morning for our honorary 911 climb. 110 floors is quite the accomplishment.” stated Firefighter Richard Quinn, “Great show of support for the fallen brothers and sisters.”
More Comox Fire Rescue members will be doing their tower climbs over the next few days.
We remember!
Meet our Members - Stefan Scott
Could you provide a brief background of your fire service career?
My fire service career began in 2016 with Comox Fire Rescue. When my family moved to the valley, I was looking for a way to serve my community. Comox Fire Rescue was a great fit in terms of opportunity, challenge and comraderie.
Was there any specific event that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?
Who doesn’t want to be a firefighter? ;-) When we first moved here I brought my boys over to look at the engines, and Chief Schreiner came out and introduced himself. He explained to me how the department operated and served our community. I was very impressed with the organization. That initial meeting spurned me on to submit my application to CFR. Since Comox Fire Rescue is a training centre for the Justice Institute of British Columbia, it’s a perfect place to get extremely high-quality training on a part-time basis. That was a great fit for me and my family.
What is your favourite part of volunteering for Comox Fire Rescue?
Two things: the first is the wonderful comraderie shared amongst our firefighters. I’ve made some great friends in the department and it’s really helped us assimilate into community here in the Comox Valley. Secondly, as I like to call it, is that I receive ‘free superhero training’! The things we learn and train for as firefighters is very challenging but also a lot of fun and extremely rewarding. Comox Fire Rescue also has an extremely high focus on safety first in it’s training. This comes together in quite an amazing opportunity to serve ones community in a very unique way.
Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
Family comes first for me. My wife and I have three children that keep us very busy. Our sons are nine, seven and we have a three-year-old daughter. I also volunteer at our church teaching Sunday school. I am a carpenter by trade and work part time for myself. I play hockey, attempt to keep fit, enjoy reading and financial planning.
What are some major changes you have seen in the fire service industry during your career?
Since I am fairly new to the fire service industry, I have not seen many changes. But what has amazed me is how technology is such a valuable and useful tool in the fire service. As I have talked to other firefighters from around the country, I have come to appreciate how progressive Comox Fire Rescue is in implementing the latest advances in training and equipment. The fact that I feel very safe when entering a burning structure is quite amazing to me.
Chief Schreiner states, "Stefan has been a great addition to our team. It is because of people like Stefan that we have a great department and can provide outstanding services to our citizens. Keep up the great work Stefan"
