From Comox Valley Record:
No people were injured, but a cat is missing, after fire destroyed a mobile home at the end of Alvord Crescent, off Lazo Road, Tuesday afternoon.
“When we arrived it was [fully] involved,” said Comox Fire Rescue Chief Gord Schreiner. “The occupant was out in the neighbourhood… but she wasn’t in the house at the time. It looks like it will be a loss.”
Only one of the two cats that lived in the residence had been accounted for, as of Tuesday afternoon.
Schreiner said investigation was still in its primary stages as of Tuesday afternoon.
“It looks like an internal fire – maybe something in the kitchen – but too early to tell yet.”
This week on Meet our Members, we interview 2017 Rookie of the Year Jon Watkins!
CFR: Could you provide a brief background of your fire service career?
I have only just completed one year in the fire service and I anticipate that this is the first of many. I have learned a vast amount about the fire service from some fantastic instructors here while getting great experience to a wide variety of calls. In addition to this I have been able to train in hazmat awareness and operations, live fire scenarios, survival techniques and rescue training, structure protection training (and deployment), medical first responder training and so much more. I have found very quickly that being a member of Comox Fire Rescue is an incredibly rewarding path.
CFR: Was there any specific event that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?
There was no single event that interested me in becoming a firefighter however, I am glad I decided to put an application in. Having one year in the service has certainly made me interested in learning as much as I can and furthering my knowledge and experience in the fire service! I would encourage anyone who is on the fence to put an application in, it is by far one of the best decisions I have ever made.
CFR: What is your favourite part of volunteering for Comox Fire Rescue (or working in the valley in general)?
Certainly the camaraderie, whether its training, doing fitness, sharing a meal, or working on a stressful call I can trust any member here as much as any other. We all look out for one another which makes for a fantastic work environment.
CFR: Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
(When I’m not working) I enjoy kayaking, hiking or playing ultimate frisbee.
CFR: What are some major changes you have seen in the fire service industry during your career?
Although I have only been in the industry for a short time, I can see how many new technologies are rapidly emerging and have the potential to change the work firefighters perform and how they will perform it in the near future. Comox Fire Rescue certainly takes a proactive approach to this which is hugely beneficial to learning, as we have even more tools to train and operate with.
CFR: If you could change one thing about the fire service, what would it be?
More public education and awareness. Before I joined the fire service I had no idea how complex and in depth the industry and the trade of fire fighting is. I’m looking forward to further developing my skills and completing my NFPA 1001’s.
Chief Schreiner states, "Jon has been a great addition to our team. He has proven to be a very capable and dedicated member. It is because of people like Jon that we have a great department and can provide outstanding services to our citizens."
Comox Firefighters Association and Rotary Club of Comox have partnered to help our citizens prepare better for an emergency. For a limited time we are offering a 2 person, 72 hour emergency kit for $65.00 each. That is 50% of the regular retail of this kit. Limited to one per person. Kits are available at the Comox fire station on Noel Ave. Cash or cheque for $65.00 made payable to Comox Firefighters Association.
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.
Want to be notified by voicemail or text message emergency alerts like a boil water being lifted or put into place? The CVRD is implementing a new emergency notifications service to keep residents and businesses informed in a timely manner.
The service will issue prompt emergency notifications by landline or mobile device through a text or voice message. Initially, the notifications will focus on boil water notices but will later be expanded to include other types of emergency messages.
Head over to the CVRD website (http://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/EN/main/departments/emergency-services/get-notified-emergency-notification-system.html) or call 250-334-6057 to register!
