To celebrate Fire Prevention Week, Domino’s Pizza and the Courtenay and Comox fire departments are partnering to reward residents who have working smoke alarms in their homes with free pizza.
On Saturday, October 9, when Comox and Courtenay residents in single residential homes, duplexes and townhouses call Domino’s Pizza between 5p.m. and 9 p.m., they may find their pizza is delivered with the help of Comox or Courtenay fire fighters.
“Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives” says Comox Assistant Fire Chief Jim Lariviere. “Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly."
“We are very excited to be part of this program in conjunction with Dominos Pizza and Courtenay Fire.” Comox Fire Rescue Chief Gord Schreiner states.
Domino's Pizza
One of Comox Fire Rescue’s members became an official Canadian citizen on September 2nd.
“I believe that responsible and community-oriented citizens are what makes Canada and the world a better place.” states Ramon Ramirez, a Comox Fire Rescue member since 2016.
“After a few years as a Permanent Resident, I realized that my roots in Canada have grown strong, my wife and children are Canadian, I wear a fire fighter uniform with a Canadian flag on it, and all my friends and members of my fire family are proud Canadians.”
“Ramon has been a huge part of our organization since day one.” says Fire Chief Gord Schreiner. Like all our members, Ramon goes above and beyond everyday to make our community better.
“I feel very fortunate to be in Canada and contribute to my community. Everything I do, must have a HELP component, which is why I love working as a Business Broker. Outside my day job, I support my town through Comox Fire Rescue, my business community by volunteering as a director of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce, and as a Director of Rotary, I try to build a better world for those in need.
“It takes a great deal of time and dedication to be a fire fighter and this includes a big commitment from their families. We are very fortunate to have members like Ramon in our department.” says Schreiner.
“Being Canadian for me means to stand proud of the multiculturalism that Canada was build on, and welcomes. It means to stand strong against injustice and to build a culture of common good, friendship and understanding.” continues Ramirez.
“Thank you, CANADA, for the opportunity to do all of these!, and to my family, my fire family, friends and colleagues who make it easy to love Canada.”
“Congratulations Ramon, keep up the amazing work you do.” Schreiner adds.
This week on Meet our Members, we chat with Firefighter Andrew Pisano, who joined Comox Fire Rescue in May, 2021.
Was there a specific event that first interested you in becoming a firefighter?
My interest in firefighting started at a young age. While I was in middle school my local fire department would routinely visit to give fire prevention and life safety presentations to the students, from then it was always a goal to grow up and drive the firetrucks and protect my community.
What is your favourite part of being at Comox Fire Rescue?
I have always enjoyed the firehall atmosphere. Being surrounded by like minded individuals is both motivating and humbling. I love the ability to pass down my knowledge on to others as well as continue to grow and learn new life skills and new firefighting tactics. Everyone at Comox Fire Rescue has been welcoming to me as a new member.
Tell us about your family.
I’m the youngest of 4 in my family, I have 2 older brothers and 1 sister. I have 4 nieces. I’m the first of my family to work in the emergency services.
What is your regular “Day Job”
I work for the Canadian Armed Forces as a firefighter posted to CFB Comox. Prior to joining the CAF in 2019 I worked for the Canadian Coast Guard doing Search and Rescue on the Great Lakes in Ontario for 2 years. I’m also a certified paramedic in Ontario and currently transferring my qualifications to B.C so I can continue to practice as a paramedic.
What are your hobbies?
Outside of firefighting at Comox and my day job I enjoy being outdoors. I love to hike and explore new trails. I have a passion for cooking and hosting get togethers for friends and family.
What are some of your Fire Service goals?
My main goal is to continue to learn from others and grow as a firefighter. I love this job and its family of members because there is always something new to learn from one another.
“Thank you for joining our team” says Fire Chief Gord Schreiner. “We look forward to working and training with you.
This week on Meet our Members, we chat with Firefighter Adam Elcombe, who joined Comox Fire Rescue in May of 2021.
Was there a specific event that first interested you in becoming a firefighter?
Ever since I was a young kid, it has been a dream of mine to work in the Fire Service and become Firefighter. After achieving my NFPA 1001/2 certification through the Justice Institute of British Columbia in Maple Ridge, I was accepted with Comox Fire Rescue and recently moved out here to start my journey with Comox.
What is your favourite part of being at Comox Fire Rescue?
My favorite part of Comox Fire Rescue is how welcoming and enthusiastic my fellow members have been as well as the excellent training and facilities available.
Tell us about your family.
I have an older sister named Cayley as well as two great parents, Susan and Kelly. They reside on the mainland along with my 11 year old dog named Gabi.
What is your regular “Day Job”
Prior to moving to Comox, I was a lifeguard and swim instructor for the District of North Vancouver. I have also been involved in basketball coaching for the past 7 years. My plans out here are to continue lifeguarding and swim instructing in the local aquatic facilities.
What are your hobbies?
Outside the Department, my hobbies are playing basketball and going to the gym. Aside from that, I enjoy casual hikes and finding great new restaurants/ food spots. Also, being from Winnipeg originally, I am an avid Winnipeg Jets fan and rarely miss a game.
What are some of your Fire Service goals?
My goals with Comox Fire Rescue are to play a bigger part in helping the community while also gaining experience working within the fire service.
“Thank you Adam for joining Comox Fire Rescue.” says Fire Chief Gord Schreiner. “Adam brings a great deal of dedication to our team here and we look forward to training and working with you more. Keep up the hard work!”
This week on Meet our Members, we chat with Firefighter Ryan Chittle, who joined Comox Fire Rescue in May of 2021.
Was there a specific event that first interested you in becoming a firefighter?
Unfortunately there was no specific event that made be want to become a fire fighter, in fact I wish there was. I wish I would have thought about becoming a firefighter earlier in my life as I love the “ team” aspect and the “fire family" that comes with it. Originally I wanted to join the fire service in 2010 but found out shortly after an info session that my wife was pregnant. I then decided to join Squamish Fire Rescue in 2017 once I had more time and could commit myself 100% and was brought on in the 2018 recruit program. Before leaving Squamish Fire I was a Driver/ Operator and an Acting LT for my company.
What is your favourite part of being at Comox Fire Rescue?
I am thrilled to be part of such a progressive, innovative, and dynamic organization. I am also excited to continue my fire career with such an amazing group of people. I have only been at the hall a few times now and the warm welcome, and conversations I have had with people reaching out and asking if I need anything is exactly why I want to be in this organization. I am new to the Comox Valley and I love everything it has to offer from the ocean, mountains, as well as the outdoor recreation. I am looking forward to my first summer!
Tell us about your family.
My wife Erin and I have been married for 10 years this December. We have a 9 year old daughter Sadie they are my biggest supporters. We also have 2 dogs who are both rescue pups. Emma ( a dachshund mix) and Zero ( a mini Dachshund). My family is from Ontario and my wife’s family is from California so it’s just us in Comox Valley.
What is your regular “Day Job”
I work for the Village of Cumberland as a truck driver/ ticketed labourer. My career previously to us moving out here was a Water Operator for the District of Squamish where I was the Chief Operator of the Water Distribution system.
“Ryan brings a great deal of experience and dedication to our department.” says Fire Chief Gord Schreiner. “Thank you for joining Comox Fire Rescue, and we look forward to working and training with you Ryan.”
