Prevention, Emergency Response, and the Comox Fire Training Centre
Comox Fire Rescue provides a variety of preventive and emergency services to a population of over 18,000 in an area of 16 square miles. This includes the Town of Comox, the Comox Fire Protection Improvement District, the Bates Huband Local Service Area (Regional District of Comox-Strathcona), and the Comox Indian Band. They also operate the Comox Fire Training Centre, which trains firefighters from all over Vancouver Island, and even parts of BC and the rest of Canada. The training centre is certified by the JIBC.
Check out this awesome video of our 2016 Youth Camp created by one of our very talented firefighters, Brent Craven! You can see this video and other work he has done here: https://vimeo.com/cravenstudios
Great job, Brent!
This week on Meet our Members, we interview Richard Quinn!
CFR: Could you provide a brief background of your fire service career?
My background with the fire service is limited at this point. I applied and was accepted as a new recruit with Comox Fire Rescue, during their recruitment drive, fall of 2015. I have a very diverse background in farming, medical laboratory technology and holistic medicine, giving me a wide set of skills and experiences to draw from and offer. I hope to continue working, learning and honing my skills within this exciting and rewarding profession.
CFR: Was there any specific event that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?
There was no specific event that prompted me to actively pursue becoming a fire fighter and first responder. It was more an accumulation of desire to serve my community and help others, my drive for challenges and adventure, and an opportunity combined with the time to dedicate to this important career and its ongoing training. My brother, (Andy Quinn)who is currently an active member of Courtenay Fire department, has long regaled me with stories of the many challenges and rewards of being a fire fighter. I knew what I was in for when I joined Comox Fire Rescue, and feel privileged to have the opportunity to serve.
CFR: What is your favourite part of volunteering for Comox Fire Rescue (or working in the valley in general)?
There are so many positive things I can say about this organization. First and foremost would be its members. Their level of professionalism, integrity and dedication is truly outstanding and very contagious. I have felt welcomed and valued from the moment I was accepted as a recruit. The amount of knowledge and experience at this station is humbling but they always find the time and patience to answer questions, offer encouragement, and pass along their lifetime of fire/rescue skills and knowledge. I have made many new amazing friends here. It truly feels like an extended family.
CFR: Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
My passions and hobbies mostly involve enjoying and exploring the many outdoor gifts the Island life has to offer. Snowboarding, mountain biking, paddle boarding, trail running, mountain climbing and kayaking, all help feed my need for adventure and adrenaline.
My home life is shared with my lovely girlfriend Heather, where we enjoy gardening and quiet moments together. Travel has always been something we both enjoy. Outside of Comox Fire Rescue, I am employed as a Medical Laboratory Technologist at St. Joseph’s General Hospital.
CFR: What are some major changes you have seen in the fire service industry during your career?
I can’t speak extensively on these questions as my experience with the fire service is relatively new. What I have learned is how dynamic and changing the fire environment is. From changes in building construction materials and techniques to the increased use of plastics and petroleum based materials in indoor furnishings, fires now burns faster, hotter and far more unpredictably than the past. The same can be said about the changing size, intensity and unpredictability of wild fires as witnessed by the recent Fort MacMurray fires.
CFR: If you could change one thing about the fire service, what would it be?
The need for the highest levels of training standards and on-going education is an essential for fire fighter safety and effective protection of the public and property. I am blessed to be stationed at such an outstanding training facility. The ongoing education of the public on fire safety and prevention is also incredibly important work.
Chief Schreiner states: Richard has been a very good addition to our team. His commitment and dedication has been outstanding. He is very quickly and successfully working his way toward full certification to the National Fire Protection Association, firefighter standard, NFPA 1001/2. Thanks for being on our team Richard!
Comox Fire Rescue has recently added a brand new 1000 gallon water tanker to its fleet, as well as a larger Structural Protection Unit (SPU) trailer. The water tanker is built on a heavy-duty aluminium frame and both units can be towed by either of our duty pickup trucks.
Today on Meet our Members, we interview Chris Gytenbeek!
CFR: Could you provide a brief background of your fire service career?
2004-2007 paid on call fire fighter with Langley City Fire Rescue, 2007 - present Comox Fire Rescue. as a paid on call firefighter.
Was there any specific event that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?
Connecting with community, being able to help in time of crisis, generally really enjoy the whole package of being part of a family/team doing exciting work that makes a big difference in peoples lives.
What is your favorite part of volunteering for Comox Fire Rescue (or working in the valley in general)?
Working with a group of experts in knowing that we are delivering a great service to Comox. Comox is a great place to live, play and work.
Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
Most anything outdoors. Running, biking, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, skiing, skateboarding, and ice hockey. Spending time with family and friends doing any of these things. Living life realizing its short and the most important things are God, family and making a difference in those lives that your paths cross, learning from others and what they know.
What are some major changes you have seen in the fire service industry during your career?
Safer ways of doing our jobs, realizing that taking high risks to save a building isn't worth your life. Better tactics that are more effective and safer with ventilation, communications and gear.
If you could change one thing about the fire service, what would it be?
Better working relations with other first responders, paramedics, other fire halls.
Chief Schreiner states: Chris is an important part of our team. He has experience in another department before his time here and his many skills and talents have been a great asset to us. Chris is also a great role model for our younger firefighters.
From cheknews.ca
At just 29 years old, Cpl. Christopher Stacey had already served our country in Afghanistan, become a loving father, and was a popular member of 19 Wing’s firefighting force, when an accident just moments from the base claimed his life.
A memorial was growing Sunday beside a scarred tree on Little River Road. Stacey’s Acura struck the tree after failing to negotiate a sharp curve, killing him instantly.
“It’s a real loss to us all,” said Blayne Buckler 19 Wing Deputy Fire Chief.
Stacey’s colleagues called him one of their finest.
“His goal was to go overseas and help as many people as he could. And it wasn’t just a cliche Chris really did help everyone that he could,” said Buckler. “Firefighters some times spend more time at the hall than they do with their own families so it’s just like losing a family member. So they’re having a hard time reconciling what happened and moving forward.” And Comox firefighters who knew him well responded to the crash scene only to find out it was Stacey, said he always had their backs.
“He was a good firefighter. A nice young man and I understand an amazing father, he has a young daughter which is another tough part of this,” said Comox Fire Asst. Chief Jim Lariviere.
RCMP are investigating speed as a factor in the crash, but aren’t certain what happened. Funeral arrangements for Cpl. Stacey are still being finalized at 19 Wing Comox as the community and his family come to grips with his loss.
“He will be greatly missed,” said Buckler.
