Every two years (since 2000) Comox Fire Rescue has hosted a 4 day Firefighter Youth Camp for approximately 30 Comox Valley high school students. The camp is open to both males and female students in grades 11 and 12.
Applications and selections are done by the Work Experience staff in the local high schools. The goal of this camp is to provide significant learning and life experience and to provide skills and attitudes that can be applied now and later in life.
Volunteer training for the Youth Camp is provided by members of Comox Fire Rescue, as well as other firefighters from neighbouring departments.
“We are very fortunate to have a dedicated and hard working team at Comox Fire Rescue to host the Youth Camp.” says Fire Chief Gord Schreiner. “Without their support, as well as the great support from local business to provide food and supplies, this amazing Firefighter Youth Camp could not happen.”
The countdown is on! Here are some photos from the 2018 camp:
This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Recruit Delaney Carr
CFR: Was there a specific even that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?
For 3 years before I joined I held a filled out application. I think what inspired me to hand it in was when I was watching a full structure fire happen in my old neighbourhood. Comox Fire Rescue responded, and watching the team work together was what encouraged me to hand it in, I want to be apart of helping others.
CFR: What is your favourite part of working at Comox Fire Rescue?
The training centre and all of our firefighters who take part of the training and educating others. Comox FD hosts some incredible courses like Live Fire and START which have been some of the most educational and resourceful courses in my FF career so far. These courses also are open to many other fire departments, it gives us the opportunity to work and train with new people and develop our skills and learn new things.
CFR: Tell us about your family?
I have my older sister, Ryley and my parents, Leslie & Rob. Also, my spouse Jayden, who is also a member of Comox FD.
CFR: Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
Everything Vancouver Island! We live in such a beautiful place. I love to be up the mountain snowboarding during the winter and anywhere with a lake or beach during the summer. I also am very passionate about travelling and seeing new places - I try to visit a new country every year.
CFR: What would you tell someone that is thinking about becoming a Paid on Call Firefighter?
I have found that devotion and perseverance are the keys in the fire industry. It is a lot more than fighting fires. Departments are looking for those with the desire and ability to provide community service, and it is wonderful being able to partake in charitable events and organizations. There is a lot of job satisfaction and reward that comes with it.
CFR: What is your regular “Day Job”?
For 8 years now I have been working in the veterinary industry with small and large animals, I partake in pretty much every job inside the clinic I work for. I love what I do! Saving animals and educating clients on pet healthcare is my passion. My goal is to become a registered technician next year.
“It’s wonderful to have great people on our team like Delaney. Good luck on your continued training Delaney! " says Comox Fire Rescue Chief Gord Schreiner.
Nourish Wellness has collaborated with the Comox Firefighters Association to add yet another automatic external defibrillator (AED) in Comox. This will be located at 1822 Comox Ave, Comox.
Nourish Wellness sees the value of having this important piece of equipment available to their clients and staff.
Chief Gord Schreiner states: “It is great to see businesses like this assisting us in our efforts to have AEDs available all over Comox. I am also very proud of our firefighters for their support of this important project. We now have almost fifty AEDs located in Comox”
Schreiner’s long term goal is to have an AED available in almost every business and public building in Comox. Public access AEDS are very simple to use, maintain and can save lives!
A public access AED costs approximately $2000.00. The Comox firefighters have been co-sponsoring the AEDS with local Comox businesses who agree to donate half of this amount ($1000.00). The Comox firefighters cover the remaining cost and place an AED in the business. They also provide both CPR and AED training to the businesses staff.
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can strike at any time—during work, while at church, or while visiting your local business. Fewer than 10% of SCA victims typically survive, but studies show that 30% to 50% would likely survive if CPR and AEDs were used within five minutes of collapse. Communities across the country are responding by implementing Public Access Defibrillation programs. Public Access Defibrillation programs include both access to AEDS and training.
Comox Fire Rescue knows the value of AEDs as they carry AEDs on all of their emergency vehicles and also have one mounted in their fire station.
Please contact Comox Fire Rescue at firehall@comox.ca if you have any questions.
This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Firefighter Adam Lariviere
CFR: Was there a specific even that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?
I wouldn’t say there was one specific event that interested me in becoming a firefighter. As a little boy I grew up in and around Comox Fire Rescue and had a fascination with it right from that start, it just felt natural to follow in my fathers footsteps and join the service.
CFR: What is your favourite part of working at Comox Fire Rescue?
My favourite part about being a member of Comox Fire Rescue is giving back to the community that’s given me so much, and in the many ways we do. Whether it’s responding to the wide variety of emergencies in which we’re very well trained to deal with, or giving back through the many volunteering and community outreach programs we offer. Comox Fire is a family and I’m proud to be able to serve along side the many amazing people I do.
CFR: Tell us about your family?
My family consists of my sister Amanda who is a teacher with school district #71, my mother Pam, who is former military police, and my father Jim who is an Assistant Chief with at Comox Fire Rescue.
CFR: Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
When I’m not volunteering with Comox Fire, or at work at 19 wing, I enjoy being outside, exploring, hiking, snowboarding, mountain biking, and just trying to stay active and healthy. Don’t get me wrong though, I like my relaxing nights in playing video games or watching Netflix.
CFR: If you could change one thing about the fire service, or fire safety, what would it be?
Since I joined the fire service in 2012, I’ve seen so many positive changes. Whether it be cancer prevention through decontamination and gear washing procedures and SOGs, or mental health initiatives…working towards ending the stigma surrounding PTSD. Although leaps and bounds have been made in both regards, I think there’s always room for improvement And am excited to see where the fire service is in 5, 10, 20 years these aspects.
“We are very thankful to have had Adam posted to CFB Comox after joining the military. Adam brings many years of service with Comox Fire and a great amount of experience and knowledge. Thanks for all your service Adam! " says Comox Fire Rescue Chief Gord Schreiner.
Comox Fire Department will be offering a Free CPR Level A to citizens of the Comox Valley. This class will cover the skills needed to respond to cardiovascular and choking emergencies. Registration is required.
Contact the Comox Recreation Centre to register: www.comox.ca/recreation or 250-339-2255 info@comox.ca
The course is held at the Comox Fire hall - 1870 Noel Ave. on the following dates:
Friday, Jan 31
Friday, Feb 21
Friday, March 27
Friday, April 24
Friday, May 29
Friday, June 26
(Click on images to enlarge them)
