Meet our Members: Kyle Mariani
This week on Meet our Members, we interview our newest work experience firefighter, Kyle Mariani!
CFR: Could you provide a brief background of your fire service career?
I would say this is the beginning of my Fire Service career. That being said I believe Comox will always hold special place in my Fire Service Career when I look back years from now, it will always be the first and I believe the experience I have gained here will play a big role in landing a career job as a firefighter. I did come into this work experience already having my NFPA 1001 IFSAC seals for Firefighter I & II certifications as well as Hazmat Awareness and Operations. I have completed the Canadian Red Cross Emergency Medical Responder CPR/HCP – AED certification. I also hold a valid Class “D” Ontario Driver’s License with “Z” airbrake endorsement. As far as Firefighting experience though Comox Fire Rescue is my first and I am grateful for the opportunity.
CFR: Was there any specific event that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?
I wouldn't say there was one specific event that interested me in being a firefighter. Just like most Canadian kids I grew up wanting to be a professional hockey player and play in the NHL. I always knew aside from hockey that I didn't want your typical 9-5 desk job. I think from there I started to look into different jobs and fell in love with everything about firefighting and the culture. Its very similar to being on hockey teams with the team aspect. I love being able to help people and be there for them when they need it most. Being a part of an organisation that takes pride in the work they do which is a wide variety things which keeps things interesting.
CFR: What was your favourite part of work experience with Comox Fire Rescue?
My favourite part of the work experience would be the people here. Comox Fire has a good mix of all different kinds of people personality wise, interests wise, cultures and backgrounds which never makes for a dull moment and makes for a great well rounded team. A side from the people I have enjoyed seeing what it takes to be a great firefighter while learning new skills and tuning the ones I already had.
CFR: Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
Outside of the fire department I am big into sports and fitness. I was fortunate enough to be able to play hockey professionally for quite a few years all over North America and Europe so hockey has been a big part of my life. I love to travel whether it's around the world or on a day adventure going on a hike trying something new keeping active. Family is very important to me as well whether it is my immediate family, close friends or now the Fire family.
CFR: If you could change one thing about the fire service, what would it be?
To be honest I think the Fire Service is in a good place. I believe that's because the people before the firefighters you see today were another generation of firefighters who instilled core values in them just as they will pass them down to the future generations just as it has gone on from the very beginning. It is just one of those jobs where you need to be a genuine good person and have pride in the work you do, have integrity and a good work ethic along with many other things and if you don't have that you wont last. So the Fire Service has a good thing going as long is it keeps its traditions and pride in its members who have character and are genuinely good people who are continuously learning and improving I wouldn't change a thing.