Meet our Members: WEP Firefighter Mark O'Sullivan
This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Work Experience Firefighter Mark O'Sullivan
Mark 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.
Was there a specific event that first interested you in becoming a firefighter?
I always liked the idea of firefighting. I was fortunate to get training to be an airport firefighter right out of university. From there I moved to New Zealand, where I joined the local volunteer fire brigade.
The Brigade was made up of people from all over the world. This was a liveaboard station, where 6 firefighters lived on station full time, and a couple spare bedrooms for others. Most of the brigade didn’t have family nearby, so the fire brigade almost became a large family. The support I saw and experienced was inspiring. We did have some rough days, and some rough calls. But we always bounced back and had each other's backs.
It was being around these amazing people, doing amazing things. That I realized I wanted to do this for the rest of my life.
Tell us about your family.
I have a wonderful, big family. All doing great things with their life. I have three brothers, a sister (the youngest), and both my parents. It would not be uncommon for the O’Sullivan family to spend a Saturday night at the local soup kitchen, giving back.
My parents are true angels. Not only did they raise five kids - and we were no angels growing up. My mom currently goes to church every day and keeps a healthy calendar for charity work. My dad runs a small construction company that two of my brothers work for. He is also busy on several non-profit boards. Including a halfway house - helping to reestablish drug addicted individuals back to society.
My oldest brother Conor has a wife and two kids, in Langley. He’s a Machine operator with my dad’s company. Below him Rory works as a Project Manager/Plumber, also big into surfing. Below him, Brian is studying for his Certified Professional Accountant and currently works at the local bank. My sister is an addictions counselor with Vancouver Health District, who is also getting married next May.
Growing up is always hard with so many siblings. But now that we've grown up a bit, my siblings and parents are some of my best friends.
What is your regular “Day Job”?
My day job was working in aviation. I’ve worked in three airports, spread across New Zealand and Canada. As well as Harbour Air, while studying my undergrad.
While Duty Officer, at Abbotsford Airport. One of my jobs was working with Abbotsford Airshow, but also keeping the airport operating, for passenger and water bomber traffic. I was fortunate to have worked closely with the Comox favorite, Canadian Snowbirds and the not so cool Blue Angels. Also to work in the Emergency Operations Centre, for the airshow and other major events. However, my days aren’t normally this cool. Normally I would be managing the terminal, airfield, regulatory compliance, and driving those cool ARFF trucks.
When in New Zealand, I was able to work at Queenstown Airport. Nominated as the most beautiful airport to fly into. I was fortunate to build a good relationship with all the airport partners. This allowed me to see and do some cool things.
Tell us about the passion in your life.
Oh, I have a lot - Also a lot of goals to go along with my passions. I do love the outdoors, traveling - I get this sounds clique.
One unique passion I have is emergency planning and dealing with emergencies. When I was in high school, I always wanted to be a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, the people who jump out of helicopters. Then I realized you need to be American and in the US Coast Guard. After I found that out, I looked at the United Nations Air Operation Division for opportunities. After a few years of trying, with no luck, and COVID starting to take its toll, I decided to move on. After a stint working in aviation, I am looking forward to being the best firefighter possible and seeing how my passions can continue to grow.
Tell us about the most amazing thing you have experienced so far in life.
When the world opened after COVID, I decided to move to New Zealand. Driving into one of the most beautiful towns in the world, with no job, no friends. It was a huge shock.
However, I made the best of it. It pushed me out of my comfort zone. Within no time, I found myself going on multi-day hikes with some amazing people; and flown around the country for fire related courses
Do you have any fire service goals?
I like to take this in steps- next step is to get hired onto a career department. After that, become the best firefighter possible.
I’m also looking to volunteer with Burnaby Urban Search and Rescue Team. It’s a group of firefighters from the lower mainland who specialize in post disaster management. This team will often deploy to countries in need, such as Turkey’s earthquake in 2022, as well as attend seminars/training around the world on emergency planning and disaster relief.
Long Term Goal -I`d like to make it to Captain or a position that I feel challenged, but also gives back to the community.
“We are very excited to have Mark join our Work Experience Program.” says Comox Fire Rescue's Chief Gord Schreiner. “He will be living at the fire station for up to 100 days. This will allow him to gain a great deal of experience. “
Comox Fire Rescue has had several Work Experence Program firefighters over the last years, with many moving on to full time firefighting careers. The WEPs receive NO pay, but they are provided a bedroom in the fire station.
Thanks for joining our team Mark, we look forward to training and working with you.
