Sunday afternoon (Jan. 19) Comox Fire Rescue received a report of a fully involved vehicle fire located between two homes. The department provided a very rapid and professional response including sending their rapid intervention vehicle first which arrived on scene in less than four minutes with a crew of four firefighters. This vehicle carries 250 gallons of water. That crew was able to protect the homes and hold the fire until two larger fire engines could arrive. In total Comox send four vehicles and 21 firefighters. Damage to the home was limited to the exterior however, the vehicle was destroyed.
Chief Schreiner states: “We have been using a rapid intervention vehicle as our first out now for many years and it has really made a big difference. Using a smaller vehicle with a smaller crew allows us to get the vehicle out the door faster providing quicker service and stabilizing problems until we can get the larger fire engines and crews there.
In addition to this our crews are very well trained and this training has really paid off in terms of service delivery and safety. I am so proud of the dedication and training of our team here.”
Comox has approximately fifty-five firefighters and responded to over six hundred emergencies last year
This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Firefighter Scott Boyd
CFR: Could you provide a brief background of your fire service career?
I have been in the Canadian Military for 25 years, and firefighter since 2013. A fellow member at CFB Comox highly recommended Comox Fire to me when we were on our DP2 course together in Borden. He was absolutely correct and I haven’t looked back.
CFR: What is your favourite part of working at Comox Fire Rescue?
The people, the professionalism, and the knowledge base along with SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) that just make sense.
CFR: Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
I’m a complete hobbyist. I also run the Brazilian Jiutitsu club on base, Mon/Wed/Fri 1730ish-1900. This is also open to non-military peoples. Consider this an advertisement ;)
"Comox Fire Rescue is fortunate to have so many great members that are also full time firefighters at 19 Wing. They bring a great deal of training and experience to the department. Thank you for your commitment Scott." says Comox Fire Rescue Chief Gord Schreiner.
Comox Firefighters held their annual Christmas Tree recycling project on January 4 + 5, 2020. 100% of the proceeds collect are given to local charity YANA (“You Are Not Alone”). This year the Comox firefighters raised more than $4200.00.
While the firefighters donated their time, local company, Precision Tree Services Ltd. (250-650-1503) donated their equipment and labour to make this event a success.
Chief Gord Schreiner states: “Projects like these are a WIN/WIN for our community. It is great to see companies like Precision Tree Services step up in such a big way to assist us. They were great! 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. They love giving back to our community. I would also like to thank all those citizens who donated to this great cause.”
YANA’s Kelly Rusk states: “The support from these firefighters in Comox has been awesome. They have been with us since our very beginnings and assist us in many.”
https://www.yanacomoxvalley.com/
This week on "Meet our Members", we interview WEP Firefighter Courtney Ziegler
Was there a specific even that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?
When I was 14 years old I worked as a slide attendant for a City in Alberta. During one of our monthly emergency response training sessions a group of local career firefighters came to speak with us briefly about how they started in my exact position, from there their passion for being a first responder grew. So did mine.
Why did you choose to do a WEP program with Comox Fire?
To further my skills as a fire fighter, learn from experienced and like minded individuals. It has always been a dream of mine to live on Vancouver Island and pursue fire fighting, now it's a reality and I am so grateful.
Do you have family/children/pets?
I have my mother who is my biggest supporter.
What is your regular “Day Job”?
I work in the oil and gas industry as a firefighter and medic in Northern Alberta.
Outside the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
I enjoy hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, hand stitched embroidery and drawing.
“We are very excited to have Courtney 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 and a $200.00 per week food allowance.
Thanks for joining our team Courtney!
Need your Christmas tree taken care of? Plan to take it down to Comox Fire Rescue (1870 Noel Ave.) next weekend (Jan 4th and 5th) between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm on Saturday or Sunday and we'll chip it for you! There will be hot dogs and hot chocolate and everything is by donation. 100% of proceeds go to local Y.A.N.A.!
Last year they raised more than $4500.00.
Chief Gord Schreiner states: “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. They love giving back to our community. I would also like to thank all those citizens who donate to this great cause.”
YANA’s Kelly Rusk states: “The support from these firefighters in Comox has been awesome. They have been with us since our very beginnings and assist us in many.”
If you are unable to bring your tree to us, give us a call at 250-339-2432 to arrange a pick up.
