Meet our Members: WEP Firefighter Jared Swant
This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Work Experience Firefighter Jared Swant.
Jared will be at Comox Fire Rescue for approximately 100 days working 40 hours a week as a voluntary position gaining valuable experience in the department's Work Experience Program (WEP).
WEP members live at the firehall during their stay allowing them to gain experience responding to calls as well as training.
Was there a specific even that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?
The reasons for my interest and drive to become a Firefighter is the amazing influence I've had growing up with my Mother, Father and Step Dad all being Structural Firefighters. I guess you could say I was born to do this amazing job, not to mention my passion for giving back to the community.
Tell us about your family.
My family's from North Vancouver, British Columbia. My mother and step father were Vancouver Firefighters and my dad was a North Vancouver District Firefighter, all are retired and enjoying life. I have 3 wonderful sisters. Through retirement my mom and step dad Dan moved to Comox Valley 7 years go to settle down and live in one of the most beautiful places in the Canada.
What is your regular “Day Job”?
My regular day job is a Red Seal Carpenter, specializing in home renovations. When I'm not swinging my hammer I'm fighting forest fires in the spring and summer months in BC.
Tell us about the passion in your life.
My passion in life is family, friends and adventure. Always trying new things and striving to be the best I can be, in the short time we have on this Earth.
Tell us about the most amazing thing you have experienced so far in life.
The most amazing thing that I've experienced in life so far has been all the travelling I've done across 11 different countries. From learning new languages to experiencing new cuisine and cultures, this has had a positive lasting impact on me.
Do you have any fire service goals?
My Fire Service goals are to become the best career Firefighter I can possibly be. Accumulating many specialized certifications and training, so I may serve with pride the community I work in.
“We are very excited to have Jared join our Work Experience Program.” says Comox Fire Rescue's Chief Gord Schreiner. “He will be living at the fire station for up to 100 days. This will allow him to gain a great deal of experience. “
Comox Fire Rescue has had several Work Experence Program firefighters over the last years, with many moving on to full time firefighting careers. The WEPs receive NO pay, but they are provided a bedroom in the fire station.
Thanks for joining our team Jared!