Comox Fire Rescue provides a variety of preventive and emergency services to a population of over 18,000 in an area of 16 square miles. This includes the Town of Comox, the Comox Fire Protection Improvement District, the Bates Huband Local Service Area (Regional District of Comox-Strathcona), and the Comox Indian Band. They also operate the Comox Fire Training Centre, which trains firefighters from all over Vancouver Island, and even parts of BC and the rest of Canada. The training centre is certified by the JIBC.
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.
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”
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 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.
This week on Meet our Members, we chat with Recruit Katya Luczanko, who joined Comox Fire Rescue in October 2021
Was there a specific event or reason for you to be interested in becoming a firefighter?
I applied to Comox Fire Rescue after I responded to a car crash outside of my workplace in the spring of 2020. The driver had fallen asleep at the wheel and his car had driven into a utility pole on the old Island highway. I was the first person on scene with first aid training, and after getting the clear from a BC Hydro worker that the power to the power lines touching the ground were shut off, I entered the car and began giving first aid to the driver. Shortly afterwards, a member of the Union Bay Fire Department came on scene and entered the back of the vehicle. We worked together on our primary and secondary surveys while we waited for an ambulance to arrive. After handing off to the paramedics, I was approached by the firefighter, who encouraged me to join the fire department due to my training and capability to respond to an accident.
Tell us about your family?
I live with my Father, a retired Chief Warrant Officer, in Comox. My mom passed away from cancer in 2020, but was an exemplary nurse for over two decades. We all believe that the Comox Valley is the best place to live.
What is your regular “Day Job”
My regular day job is working as a pharmacy assistant, and I am working towards being a licensed Pharmacy Technician.
Tell us about your passion in life.
I am passionate about local flora and fauna, and regularly spend weekends finding, identifying, and educating myself and others about wild plants and animals.
Tell us about the most amazing thing you have experienced so far in life.
The most amazing thing I have experienced in life was hiking in Greece to a five thousand year old monestary build into the side of the cliff at the top of a mountain!
Do you have any fire service goals?
I strive to aide with fighting the summer forest fires for the Province with Comox Fire Rescue!
“Thank you for joining our team Katya.” says Comox Fire Rescue Chief Gord Schreiner. “We look forward to training and working with you. Good luck on your Fire Service career.”
