Meet our Members - Stefan Scott

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

My fire service career began two years ago with Comox Fire Rescue. My family moved to the valley just over two years ago and 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 Shreiner 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 seven and five and we have a one-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"