Meet our Members - Melissa DeMeda

This week on Meet our Members, we chat with Recruit Melissa DeMeda

Melissa joined Comox Fire Rescue in September of 2020 and has just started her Exterior Firefighting training.

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

I’m brand new to the fire service and it’s a very exciting change after contemplating it for the past couple of years. I previously worked in emergency management, and my favourite part was always the hands-on, dynamic, and team-oriented work on the disaster ground, and I’m already finding parallels to what we do as firefighters. 

Was there any specific event that first interested you in becoming a firefighter?

A couple of years ago, my friend and I went to a workshop for women hosted by the Surrey Fire Service. Being able to put on turnout gear and try using the different tools to dismantle a car or put out a vehicle fire was such a fun experience, and opened my eyes to firefighting being a real possibility for me. Even after finishing two academic degrees, I still wasn’t sure what I wanted in a career, and this was a pivotal experience for me.

What is your favourite part of volunteering for Comox Fire Rescue?

For my partner Evan and I, we’re really happy that we get to do this together. I love the camaraderie amongst the team and the culture of hard work, continuous learning, and respect.  Plus, everyone is so inviting and encourages you to do activities together outside the hall.

Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?

I really enjoy weightlifting and just being outdoors. We love taking our dog Charlie hiking and have recently taken up climbing. We definitely do our best to stay active as I love cooking and enjoy my fair share of playing video games!

How has being a member of Comox Fire added to your life?

2020 has had its fair share of challenges for me personally, and joining the department has been a really positive new beginning. We’re also brand new to Comox and are already grateful for new opportunities and relationships we’ve built so far. It’s added the sense of purpose and ability to serve others that I missed in previous jobs. 

We are very happy that Melissa has joined our team at Comox Fire Rescue.” says Fire Chief Gord Schreiner. “It takes a lot of work and dedication to become a firefighter, and Melissa is working hard towards that goal. Good luck on all your training!”

Meet our Members - Evan Johnson

This week on Meet our Members, we chat with Recruit Evan Johnson

Evan joined Comox Fire Rescue in September of 2020 and has just started his Exterior Firefighting training.

Was there any specific event that first interested you in becoming a firefighter?

• Ever since I can remember I had a calling to serve a higher calling. This began shortly after high school when I joined the United States Infantry. I deployed with 10th Mountain Division in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2010-2011. After my time in the military I volunteered with Evan Mills Volunteer Ambulance Squad, and a few other volunteer agencies until I landed in Comox, BC, where I was accepted into the Comox Fire Rescue Recruit program. Serving others has always been where I feel most at home and complete.

What is your favourite part of volunteering for Comox Fire Rescue?

• There is a sense of camaraderie, purpose and duty that I missed after my time in the military that I have found once again in the Comox Fire Department.

Outside of the fire department, what are your interests or hobbies?

• I am an avid weight-lifter and runner. I enjoy spending my free time in the outdoors as much as I can with my partner Melissa and our dog Charlie. We enjoy hiking, camping, free climbing, and using the 4x4 in my truck.

How has being a member of Comox Fire Rescue added to your life?

A sense of purpose to serve those in need. A great reason to push myself to me the best I can be physically, mentally and emotionally.

“Evan has been a great addition to our team at Comox Fire Rescue.” says Fire Chief Gord Schreiner. “Thanks so much for joining our team Evan and keep up the hard work.”

Meet our Members - Josh Tadeson

This week on Meet our Members, we chat with Recruit Josh Tadeson.

Josh joined Comox Fire Rescue in July of 2020, and has recently completed his First Responder (FR3) training, and is now beginning the Exterior Firefighting program of his NFPA 1001/2 certification.

Tell us about your family Josh:

My wife Megan and I have a beautiful 6 year old girl, Keira.  Megan works for the Town of Comox, and I work as a siding contractor in the Comox Valley.

What are some of your hobbies?

If I’m not busy working, or studying for my Firefighting training, you can find me on my motorcycle.  I love exploring the backroads of Vancouver Island and meeting new people.  My wife and I also love traveling to Las Vegas, and hope we can return again soon.

Why did you want to join Comox Fire Rescue?

I love to challenge myself. I thought becoming a firefighter and helping my community was a great way to do that.  I’m enjoying the training, and look forward to the future here at Comox Fire Rescue.

“Josh has been a great addition to our team at Comox Fire Rescue.” says Fire Chief Gord Schreiner.  “It takes a great amount of time, dedication and commitment to become a firefighter by not only the member, but also their family.  

“Thanks so much for joining our team Josh, keep up the hard work.”

Safety tips for Halloween

Children dressed in costumes excitedly running door to door to trick-or-treat, festive decorations like glowing jack-o-lanterns, paper ghosts and dried cornstalks adorning front porches – these are some of the classic hallmarks of Halloween that make the holiday special for kids and adults alike.

Unfortunately, these Halloween symbols and activities can also present lurking fire risks that have the potential to become truly scary. But by planning ahead, you can help make this Halloween a fire-safe one. Taking simple fire safety precautions like keeping decorations far away from open flames and using battery-operated candles or glow-sticks in jack-o-lanterns can help ensure your holiday remains festive and fun.

Click HERE to download Halloween Safety Tips PDF

Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives!

Comox Fire Chief Gord Schreiner would like to remind you that working smoke alarms really do save lives.

A working smoke alarm could very well be the best investment you ever make to protect your family and property. Every second counts if a fire were to start in your home. Many homes have smoke alarms that do not work because the batteries are dead or have been removed. Batteries should be replaced every six months and alarms replaced every ten years.

Chief Schreiner states: ”It is always surprising to us how many homes do not have working smoke alarms. They cost very little and really can make a very big difference. If you live in the Town of Comox or the Comox fire Protection District and need help with your smoke alarms please call our fire station at 250-339-2432 and we will assist you. Last year we gave away over 200 smoke alarms.”

Remember “SMOKE ALARMS REALLY DO SAVE LIVES”