Meet our Members: WEP Firefighter Emma Farrell

This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Work Experience Firefighter Emma Farrell.

Emma will be at Comox Fire Rescue for approximately 100 days working 40 hours a week as a voluntary position gaining valuable experience in the department's Work Experience Program (WEP).

WEP members live at the firehall during their stay allowing them to gain experience responding to calls as well as training.

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Was there a specific even that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?

I wanted a job that was dynamic and that wasn’t in an office environment. When I started exploring different career paths I found that every firefighter I spoke to truly loved their job. Once I started going down this road I realized that I truly enjoy being a first responder and haven’t looked back since. Comox is a truly beautiful place. I’m so excited to learn at this facility and I can’t think of a better place to spend the next 100 days.

Tell us about your family.

I was born an only child in Vancouver before my parents moved us to Lake Country, BC. My mom was a radio personality in Vancouver for 15 years. 

My dad is an avid cyclist and fisherman who originally introduced me to Comox when he started taking me to this part of the island on fishing trips.

What is your regular “Day Job”?

For the past two years I’ve worked at a womens shelter in Vancouvers DTES. On the winter weekends I patrol at Mt Seymour.  

Tell us about your passion in life

I really enjoy learning new skills. During the pandemic I took sign language classes over zoom and am teaching myself Spanish. I worked for years in fine dining where I learned so much about cooking with seasonal ingredients. I’ve taken to ski patrol because there is so much to learn in a practical environment. Otherwise I love being outside, surfing, hiking, and cooking on a fire. 

Tell us about the most amazing thing you have experienced so far in life.

Fishing just off of Hornby and seeing a pod of orcas swim circles around grey whales. And seeing the northern lights in Yellowknife earlier this month.

Do you have any fire service goals?

My ultimate goal is to become a career firefighter for the City of Vancouver. 

“We are very excited to have Emma join our Work Experience Program.” says Comox Fire Chief, Gord Schreiner. “She will be living at the fire station for up to 100 days. This will allow her to gain a great deal of experience. “

Comox Fire has had several firefighters over the last years, with many moving on to full time fire fighting careers. The WEPs receive NO pay, but they are provided a bedroom in the fire station.

Thanks for joining our team Emma!

Comox Firefighters help raise $7350 for Y.A.N.A

The Comox Firefighters Association recently made a donation to Y.A.N.A. (You Are Not Alone) of $7350. Monies were raised from the Tree Chipping in January, as well as various other fundraising events.

Y.A.N.A. is a local organization that provides accommodation and funding to Comox Valley families who need to travel outside the community for medical treatment or for a pregnant mother.

YA.N.A.’s Kelly Rusk states: “The support from the 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 Fire Chief Gord Schreiner,  “I would also like to thank all those citizens who donated to these great causes.” 

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.

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.

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

www.yanacomoxvalley.com

precisiontreeservices.ca

Meet our Members - David Pottle

This week on Meet our Members, we chat with Recruit Dave Pottle, who joined Comox Fire Rescue in March of 2022.

Was there a specific event or reason for you to be interested in becoming a firefighter?

I fought Wildland fires for the Ministry of Forests for close to 10 years all while I travelled around BC exploring our Province. During that time I have had many encounters with Structural Firefighters on interface fires requiring their support, so I would say that speaking and working directly with the firefighters is what first piqued my interest in structural. My years as a Wildland Firefighter instilled a love of firefighting in general, and now that I am no longer travelling around and residing in Comox full time, I found Comox Fire Rescue as an excellent opportunity to continue pursuing my interests and learning new skill sets.

Tell us about your family?

I am the youngest of 5 siblings and have more cousins, nephews and nieces than I can count. Most of my family reside in Northern BC in the City of Rain(bows) aka Prince Rupert. It's a small community that is similar in ways to Comox, but I do love the weather down here a lot more.

What is your regular “Day Job”

I work at CFB Comox in a civilian role for Defence Construction Canada (DCC) where I manage various construction contracts that support the Canadian Armed Forces and their daily operations.  Prior to moving to Comox in 2018 I was working in Civil Engineering, Wildland Firefighting and even Commercial Fishing industries. 

Tell us about your passion in life.

My passions in life I feel are quite common to a lot of folks. I love my friends, family, and adventure. I spend a lot of time with my immediate family as my wife's family all reside in the valley. Most of my close friends share the same hobbies as I do which usually always ensures I have a partner for a wild adventure in the wilderness or to go travelling with. Since moving to the valley I have developed a major interest in hiking, backpacking, hunting and archery, all of which tend to compliment the other and I look forward to using them as an excuse to get out and explore more of the island! 

Tell us about the most amazing thing you have experienced so far in life.

I have had the opportunity through the forest service to visit and explore so many beautiful locations in BC. One amazing memory I carry with me is being dropped off on top of a mountain in late summer by a helicopter and seeing a family of grizzlies slowly eating blueberries about 50 yds away totally unconcerned by 20 people and a helicopter, all with the Bugaboo Mountains off in the distance and a clear bright sky. That is still one memory I go back to as a picturesque moment of my life though it really makes me wish I carried a camera with me back then.

Do you have any fire service goals?

To take on this new challenge to become a structural firefighter, explore my local areas and to meet and engage with my community on a meaningful level.

“Thank you for joining our team David.” says Comox Fire Rescue Chief Gord Schreiner. “David brings a great amount of experience as a Wildland Firefighter, and we look forward to expanding your training as a member of Comox Fire Rescue. Good luck on continuing your Fire Service career David”

Comox Fire Rescue says goodbye to Firefighter Cody Sojka

Cody joined Comox Fire Rescue in January of 2021, and was a dedicated member of the team during his time with the department.

“My favourite part about being at Comox Fire Rescue are the amazing individuals within the team I was very fortunate enough to train with and spend time with.” states Cody. 

Due to family and life changes, he will be relocating to the Lower Mainland.

“Being a firefighter is very hard work. Cody brought skills and experience to our department which we were very thankful for.” say Fire Chief Gord Schreiner.  “We wish you all the best in your future Cody, stay safe.”

Pictured Left to Right; Comox Fire Rescue Captains Pascal Lafreniere, Brooks, Firefighter Sojka, Assistant Chief Rich Shelton presenting Sojka his black helmet.

Comox Fire Rescue helps raise over $3700 for Y.A.N.A

Comox Firefighters hosted their annual Christmas Tree recycling project on January 8th and 9th with 100% of the proceeds being donated to Y.A.N.A. (You Are Not Alone). 

This year over $3700 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.

With amazing support of Precision Tree Service and over 35 Firefighters from  Comox Fire Rescue, members of the community were able to drop off their Christmas trees or have them pickup.

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.

“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-19, 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 dozens of 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

www.yanacomoxvalley.com

precisiontreeservices.ca