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.
Comox Fire Department, Assistant Chief Jim Lariviere will be teaching a Free CPR level A to citizens of the Comox Valley. CPR is a very valuable skill that could one day safe a life. The next course is on January 25th 1:00pm. Contact the Comox Recreation Centre (http://comox.ca/recreation or 250-339-2255) to register!
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Comox Firefighters held their annual Christmas Tree recycling project on January 5 + 6, 2019. 100% of the proceeds collect are given to local charity YANA (“You Are Not Alone”). This year the Comox firefighters raised more than $4000.00.
While the firefighters donated their time, Asplundh Canada donated their equipment and labour to make this event a success.
Chief Gord Schreiner states: “Projects like these are a WIN/WIN for our community. It is great to see companies like Asplundh Canada step up in such a big way to assist us. They were great! I am so proud of our firefighters for everything they do. Not only do they respond to emergencies but they assist our community in so many other ways. They love giving back to our community. I would also like to thank all those citizens who donated to this great cause.”
YANAs Kelly Rusk states: “The support from these firefighters in Comox has been awesome. They have been with us since our very beginnings and assist us in many.”
Need your Christmas tree taken care of? Take it down to Comox Fire Rescue (1870 Noel Ave.) this weekend between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm on Saturday or Sunday and we'll chip it for you! There will be hot dogs and hot chocolate and everything is by donation. 100% of proceeds go to local Y.A.N.A.!
If you are unable to bring your tree to us, give us a call at 250-339-2432 to arrange a pick up.
What made you want to join the fire service?
I’m a very active person and I have always had an interest in the medical type jobs, so it seemed like a good fit....and it was! My passion in life is to help other people, if I can do one thing to make that persons day a little better than it was before, then that’s a good day to me.
What is your favourite part of volunteering for Comox Fire Rescue?
What I love most about Comox Fire Rescue is the environment. Everyone is family here and we have each others backs. There’s no better feeling than when we all work together to get the job done.
Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
My hobbies include pretty much anything outdoors, I am a competitive golfer and professional caddy for pro golfers. I love to hike and kayak and I play a variety of other sports.
What is your regular “Day Job”
During the day I work as a first aid attendant for Alpine First Aid and I absolutely love it. I get to travel all over B.C for first aid work which is awesome because I love to see new stuff!
Do you have family/children/pets?
I have a sister, my mother and my dog Murphy. We do everything together, my mom and I have backpacked Europe together and Asia, and my sister and I have played competitive volleyball on the same teams growing up which was a blast, and now we are both EMR’s. Murphy I’ve had since he was born and he’s my furry best friend!
What makes being a Fire Fighter so special to you?
We put such a great focus on the community and making it better. Every time I respond to the pager… it’s instant family and we’re always working hard and checking our equipment to make sure everything works and is running smoothly.
Chief Schreiner states, "Katie has been a great addition to our team. Her dedication to learning and training is warmly welcomed. Thanks for being part of the team Katie!”
Could you provide a brief background of your fire service career?
My family lives close to the Fire Hall and I want to be a good role model for my kids. As a stay at home Dad currently, I want to continue learning new skills and trades. Comox Fire Rescue does a great job of including your family in events and the training process. It’s been great for myself and being able to include my kids at the Firehall.
What is your favourite part of volunteering for Comox Fire Rescue?
My favourite part so far of being at Comox Fire Rescue is the people involved. It feels like a community. Volunteering with the Fire Department has us also out in the town meeting the public and some great groups.
Do you have children or pets?
I have 3 boys, Parker, Jason and Micah that are 2, 4 and 6. And 1 cat.
What is your regular “Day Job”.
I’m a stay at home Dad. By trade I am a certified utilitiy arbourist (falling and climbing trees by power lines).
Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
I enjoy running, Crossfit, back country hiking and cooking ~ just to name a few of my hobbies.
If you could change one thing about the fire service, what would it be?
I wouldn’t change a thing about our fire service. It’s a very well rounded organization, run by the best.
Chief Schreiner states, "Luke has been a great addition to our team, his hard work and dedication is showing in his training. Keep up the hard work Luke”
