Meet our Members - Pelle Campbell

This week on Meet our Members, we chat with Recruit Pelle Campbell, who joined Comox Fire Rescue in 2020.

Could you provide a brief background of your fire service career?

My fire service career started with recruit training at Comox Fire Rescue! I have been training in the recruit class since summer 2020. We are currently moving through our Exterior Fire program and have had the opportunity to respond to the hall already in a limited capacity. I'm looking forward to being able to add much more in the future!

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

I definitely can't say there was a specific event that led me to become a firefighter. It was more about what I thought I would be able to get out of it, as well as put into it. I thrive in a professional, evolving, and challenging environment. I saw the fire service as a place where I could really develop personally where my personal skills could have a positive impact.

Outside of the fire department, what are your interests or hobbies?

Where to begin! In the Spring, Summer, and Fall I camp, hike, mountain bike, and climb. In the winter you'll find me ski touring or mountaineering. I read big long fantasy books and play video games. I've started to develop a green thumb in the last couple of years. I love the work that I put into my backyard and the lessons in patience and stewardship it teaches.

How has being a member of Comox Fire added to your life?

It's given me the chance to grow as an individual, feel a part of a team that has each other's backs, and the fulfillment I get from knowing I have a positive impact in my community.

“Thank you Pelle for joining Comox Fire Rescue.” says Fire Chief Gord Schreiner. “Becoming a firefighter takes a huge commitment of studying, practice and training. It’s members like Pelle that make our team so great. Keep up the hard work Pelle!

MARS joins Comox Fire Rescue AED program!

Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society (MARS) has collaborated with the Comox Firefighters Association to add yet another automatic external defibrillator (AED) in the Comox Valley.

This one will be located at the MARS facilities located at 1331 William Beach Road, Black Creek.

This wonderful group sees the value of having this important piece of equipment available to their volunteers, staff and guests.

Photo: Lt. Sandy Pridmore, MARS Darlene Banerd, MARS, Warren Warttig and Captain Rob Stevens

Chief Gord Schreiner states: “It is great to see organizations like this assisting us in our efforts to get more public access AEDs available. I am also very proud of our firefighters for their on-going support of this important project. We have now partnered with various groups to get more than fifty AEDS placed and our firefighters have invested over $60,000.00 of non tax dollars in this important project over the past ten years.

Public access AEDS are very simple to use, maintain and can save lives!

A public access AED costs approximately $2000.00. The Comox firefighters have been co-sponsoring the AEDS with local Comox groups and businesses who agree to donate half of this amount ($1000.00). The Comox firefighters cover the remaining cost. They also provide both CPR and AED training to the businesses staff. The Comox Firefighters Association receives many request each year and assesses each request to determine which ones they can assist.

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can strike at any time—during work, while at church, or while visiting your local business. Fewer than 10% of SCA victims typically survive, but studies show that 30% to 50% would likely survive if CPR and AEDs were used within five minutes of collapse. Communities across the country are responding by implementing Public Access Defibrillation programs. Public Access Defibrillation programs include both access to AEDS and training.

Comox Fire Rescue knows the value of AEDs as they carry AEDs on all of their emergency vehicles and also have one mounted in their fire station.

Please contact Comox Fire Rescue at firehall@comox.ca if you have any questions.

Meet our Members - Cody Sojka

This week on Meet our Members, we chat with Firefighter Cody Sojka, who joined Comox Fire Rescue at the start of 2021.

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

I would say the one specific event that first interested me in becoming a fire fighter was hearing my Father's passion for his career when I was a young child, and still to this day. Growing up in a fire fighters family, I was fortunate enough to hear first hand how much my Father not only loved his job, but what it meant and took to be a fire fighter. Spending time with him at the stations, and with other members of the Fire Service at various functions really showed me the many great people and experiences that came along with it. Becoming a fire fighter has always been the only calling I could see for myself, and now residing in Comox, I could not think of a better way to give back to such a wonderful community that I enjoy so much.

What is your favourite part of volunteering for Comox Fire Rescue?

My favourite part about being at Comox Fire Rescue are the amazing individuals within the team I am very fortunate enough to train with and spend time with. The camaraderie and team environment is something I hold very close, and everyone is always more than willing to help one another - there is a great mutual respect and understanding. The training is very detailed and in-depth, and I am grateful for the never ending access to equipment and fitness training at my disposal at any given moment in the week. In addition, the Comox Valley is simply an amazing place to call home!

Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?

Outside of the fire department, I am an avid freshwater and saltwater angler, and avid hiker. I recently got back into snowboarding and mountain biking, and living in the Valley is the perfect place for all of the above!

Do you have family/children/pets?

My immediate family resides in the Lower Mainland; Mom, Dad, and two younger sisters. I do not have any family, children, or pets of my own, but would love all of those things one day!

What is your regular "Day Job"?

In my regular day job I work as a Forest Engineer designing and laying out pre-harvest forest operations of a forest cutblock. Essentially, I am often designing roads, taking stream measurements for prescribing culvert sizes, assessing large cultural trees and other archaeological identifiers, and hanging falling boundary for fallers.

If you could change one thing about the fire service or fire safety, what would it be?

If I could change one thing about the fire service or fire safety, it would be the affects of PTSD for all involved. Understanding that the fire service has taken great strides and been very progressive with the importance of mental health, I think like many things in life, there are always improvements to make. With that being said, I am incredibly happy to see how mental health is being managed, and I strongly believe it will only get better with the great tools and research available. My door and ears are always open!

“Cody brings a great background to Comox Fire Rescue.” says Fire Chief Gord Schreiner. “We look forward to working and training with you Cody. Thanks for joining our team.”

Comox Fire Rescue helps raise over $4000 for Y.A.N.A

Comox Firefighters hosted their annual Christmas Tree recycling project on January 2nd and 3rd with 100% of the proceeds being donated to Y.A.N.A. (You Are Not Alone). 

This year over $4000 was donated for the local organization that provides accommodation and funding to Comox Valley families who need to travel outside the community for medical treatment for a child under 19 or for a pregnant mother.

YA.N.A.’s Kelly Rusk states: “The support from these firefighters in Comox has been awesome. They have been with us since our very beginnings and assist us in many fundraising events.”

With amazing support of Precision Tree Services, Christmas trees were dropped off at the fire station and chipped to be then recycled by the parks department in Comox.

Chief Gord Schreiner says: “Projects like these are a WIN/WIN for our community. I am so proud of our firefighters for everything they do. Not only do they respond to emergencies but they assist our community in so many other ways.

Limited edition Comox Fire Rescue Chocolate Bars were also sold. Locally sourced from “Hot Chocolates” the bars were $5 each, with all proceeds also being donated to Y.A.N.A. 

“Our Firefighters love giving back to our community.” says Schreiner,  “I would also like to thank all those citizens who donated to this great cause.” 

Due to COVID this year, donations were able to be accepted by cash, TAP or e-transfer.  All PPE and COVID-19 protocols were in place.   Comox Firefighters have been hosting this event for over 20 years.

Members also gave away over 100 free smoke alarms.  Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries.

For more information, visit Comox Fire Rescue’s website:  www.comoxfirerescue.org

https://www.yanacomoxvalley.com

Comox Firefighters Christmas Tree Recycling - Jan 2&3, 2021

Need your Christmas tree taken care of after Christmas? Comox Fire Rescue will be hosting its annual Tree Chipping Event on Jan 2 & 3 between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm on Saturday & Sunday at 1870 Noel Ave. Bring by your used Christmas tree and we'll chip it for you! 

This year there will be contactless TAP as well as e-transfer for donations. 100% of proceeds go to local Y.A.N.A.! Citizens will be asked to stay in their vehicles while firefighters wearing appropriate PPE will remove your tree and collect a donation.

Chief Gord Schreiner says: “Projects like these are a WIN/WIN for our community. I am so proud of our firefighters for everything they do. Not only do they respond to emergencies but they assist our community in so many other ways.

Last year more than $4500 was raised and donated to Comox Valley Y.A.N.A

For 2020 a new addition to the fundraising campaign will be limited edition Comox Fire Rescue Chocolate Bars. Local sourced from “Hot Chocolates”, these fundraising chocolate bars are offered in milk or dark chocolate. The chocolate bars will be $5 each, with all proceeds also being donated to Y.A.N.A

YANA’s Kelly Rusk states: “The support from these firefighters in Comox has been awesome. They have been with us since our very beginnings and assist us in many fundraising events.”

“Our Firefighters love giving back to our community.” says Schreiner,  “I would also like to thank all those citizens who donate to this great cause.” 

If you are unable to bring your tree to us, give us a call at 250-339-2432 to arrange a pick up on Jan 2nd or 3rd.

https://www.yanacomoxvalley.com/