Comox Fire Rescue Enhances Firefighter Safety with New Breathing Apparatus Decontamination Unit

Comox Fire Rescue has made a progressive step forward by acquiring a cutting-edge breathing apparatus decontamination unit, marking a significant advancement in firefighter health and safety measures.

The new unit is designed to effectively clean and decontaminate firefighters’ personal protective equipment, including breathing apparatus, helmets, gloves, boots and other small equipment. This state-of-the-art technology ensures a thorough decontamination process, minimizing the risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals and carcinogenic particles encountered during firefighting operations. 

Studies have shown that firefighters have a significantly higher risk of being diagnosed with various forms of cancer than the general population. This is due to the hazardous chemicals and carcinogenic particles that they are exposed to in the line of duty on a regular basis.

“Keeping our members safe and healthy is our number one priority,” said Fire Chief Gord Schreiner. “The investment into this decontamination unit is one more way to support our crew – these newer technologies are needed to keep them protected now and into the future.”

Comox Fire Rescue has long been at the forefront of cancer reduction initiatives, implementing rigorous cleaning protocols for their response jackets and pants after every fire. However, the manual decontamination of breathing apparatus and other equipment posed challenges until purchasing this new unit.

This new piece of equipment was co-funded by the Province through their Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (30K) and the Comox Firefighters Association through funds raised by the Comox Fire Training Centre (20K).

Media Contact:

Gord Schreiner, Fire Chief   

firehall@comox.ca
250-339-2432

Comox Fire Rescue celebrates International Women’s Day

Comox Fire Rescue celebrates International Women’s Day

On March 8th, groups and individuals worldwide will unify to celebrate and support women's advancement on International Women’s Day.

The International Women’s Day 2023 campaign theme is: #EmbraceEquity

There are currently 9 members of Comox Fire Rescue that proudly serve the Town of Comox and the Area B Fire Protection District.

“Comox Fire Rescue is very lucky to have such amazing women as part of our department.” says Fire Chief, Gord Schreiner of Comox Fire Rescue. “The dedication and commitment to be a firefighter is very intense, and I am very proud to be able to work and serve with such great individuals.”

(Pictured left to right: Elsa Gilroy, Jessica Lariviere, Emma McKinney, Chantelle Zawila, Sacha Scott, Brynn Vandervaate, Tammy Blair. Missing from photo: Sophie Cloutier, Katya Luczanko, Kianna Csolle)

First Aid for Opioid Poisoning Emergencies

In the First Aid for Opioid Poisoning Emergencies course, you will become knowledgeable and confident in how to respond to an opioid poisoning emergency, including how to administer nasal naloxone. You will learn more about opioids and naloxone and how they affect the body and will explore ways to reduce the influence of stigma. 

You will receive a free nasal naloxone kit upon completion of the course.

Click on the link below to enroll and complete the course.

First Aid for Opioid Poisoning Emergencies

Captain Bill Windram retires after 42 years with Comox Fire Rescue

Bill Windram started his career with Comox Fire Rescue on February 1, 1981, responding to thousands of calls and an incalculable number of training hours over the past 42 years.

On February 1, 2023, Windram will continue the tradition of taking his helmet home after an amazing fire service career.

Windram has been an integral part of the department, starting as a recruit in 1981, progressing to Lieutenant and Captain, training new firefighters, pump and driver training, all the while showing professionalism and pride in the fire service.

“I am proud to have worked alongside you and greatly appreciate your support and friendship over these years. I am sure our friendship will last forever.” says Comox Fire Rescue Chief, Gord Schreiner.

Windram also served as our Chairperson for the Comox Firefighters Association. His wisdom and solid contribution help guide the Comox Firefighters Association to become what it is today in helping and giving back to the community.

“You leave big boots to fill and although you will be greatly missed, I believe that others will step up and continue to build on your legacy.” says Schreiner.

Best wishes Bill on your retirement. You will be missed by all in the department and fire service. Congratulations to you on an amazing career and thank you for all your service to the Town of Comox and the Comox Fire Protection District.

Comox Fire Rescue - 2022 Awards Night

Comox Fire Rescue held its annual Awards Night this past Saturday, November 26th. This was the first full in person Awards presentations since 2019 due to Covid restrictions.

The department continued its tradition of recognizing members for various contributions to the fire department

Captain Rob Stevens was presented his provincial 25 year medal. Lieutenant Ron Barrow was presented his federal 20 year medal and Lieutenant Elsa Gilroy was recognized for her 10 years of service.

Tammy Blair and Leif Lefevre were named Rookies of the Year, while Firefighter Ryan Chittle was awarded the Firefighter of the Year.

Firefighter Sacha Scott received the “Stewart Rennie Memorial Award” titled, “I Made a Difference.”

Firefighter Andrew Pisano received the "Kevin Kimler Memorial Award” titled, “Above and Beyond.

Captain Pascal Lafreniere was recognized for completing Fire Officer 4, and Lieutenant Brent Craven for Fire Officer 2.

“I am so proud of all of our members,” said Comox Fire Chief Gord Schreiner. “It takes a very special person to volunteer for anything, let alone to be a firefighter and an even better person to serve for many, many years. We are very demanding of our firefighters and expect a very high level of training and effectiveness from them. We are very fortunate, here in Comox, to have such a great group of firefighters assisting our community in so many ways.

Comox Fire Rescue has six full-time and 50 highly trained part-time members. They provide most of the services typical of a larger fire department and will responded to over 900 emergency incidents this year.

“Our firefighters are our most important asset. We are a successful organization because of all the great people we have within the organization.” states Schreiner.

For more information about Comox Fire Rescue and the services they offer please see: www.comoxfirerescue.org