This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Firefighter Adam Lariviere
CFR: Was there a specific even that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?
I wouldn’t say there was one specific event that interested me in becoming a firefighter. As a little boy I grew up in and around Comox Fire Rescue and had a fascination with it right from that start, it just felt natural to follow in my fathers footsteps and join the service.
CFR: What is your favourite part of working at Comox Fire Rescue?
My favourite part about being a member of Comox Fire Rescue is giving back to the community that’s given me so much, and in the many ways we do. Whether it’s responding to the wide variety of emergencies in which we’re very well trained to deal with, or giving back through the many volunteering and community outreach programs we offer. Comox Fire is a family and I’m proud to be able to serve along side the many amazing people I do.
CFR: Tell us about your family?
My family consists of my sister Amanda who is a teacher with school district #71, my mother Pam, who is former military police, and my father Jim who is an Assistant Chief with at Comox Fire Rescue.
CFR: Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
When I’m not volunteering with Comox Fire, or at work at 19 wing, I enjoy being outside, exploring, hiking, snowboarding, mountain biking, and just trying to stay active and healthy. Don’t get me wrong though, I like my relaxing nights in playing video games or watching Netflix.
CFR: If you could change one thing about the fire service, or fire safety, what would it be?
Since I joined the fire service in 2012, I’ve seen so many positive changes. Whether it be cancer prevention through decontamination and gear washing procedures and SOGs, or mental health initiatives…working towards ending the stigma surrounding PTSD. Although leaps and bounds have been made in both regards, I think there’s always room for improvement And am excited to see where the fire service is in 5, 10, 20 years these aspects.
“We are very thankful to have had Adam posted to CFB Comox after joining the military. Adam brings many years of service with Comox Fire and a great amount of experience and knowledge. Thanks for all your service Adam! " says Comox Fire Rescue Chief Gord Schreiner.
Comox Fire Department will be offering a Free CPR Level A to citizens of the Comox Valley. This class will cover the skills needed to respond to cardiovascular and choking emergencies. Registration is required.
Contact the Comox Recreation Centre to register: www.comox.ca/recreation or 250-339-2255 info@comox.ca
The course is held at the Comox Fire hall - 1870 Noel Ave. on the following dates:
Friday, Jan 31
Friday, Feb 21
Friday, March 27
Friday, April 24
Friday, May 29
Friday, June 26
(Click on images to enlarge them)
Sunday afternoon (Jan. 19) Comox Fire Rescue received a report of a fully involved vehicle fire located between two homes. The department provided a very rapid and professional response including sending their rapid intervention vehicle first which arrived on scene in less than four minutes with a crew of four firefighters. This vehicle carries 250 gallons of water. That crew was able to protect the homes and hold the fire until two larger fire engines could arrive. In total Comox send four vehicles and 21 firefighters. Damage to the home was limited to the exterior however, the vehicle was destroyed.
Chief Schreiner states: “We have been using a rapid intervention vehicle as our first out now for many years and it has really made a big difference. Using a smaller vehicle with a smaller crew allows us to get the vehicle out the door faster providing quicker service and stabilizing problems until we can get the larger fire engines and crews there.
In addition to this our crews are very well trained and this training has really paid off in terms of service delivery and safety. I am so proud of the dedication and training of our team here.”
Comox has approximately fifty-five firefighters and responded to over six hundred emergencies last year
This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Firefighter Scott Boyd
CFR: Could you provide a brief background of your fire service career?
I have been in the Canadian Military for 25 years, and firefighter since 2013. A fellow member at CFB Comox highly recommended Comox Fire to me when we were on our DP2 course together in Borden. He was absolutely correct and I haven’t looked back.
CFR: What is your favourite part of working at Comox Fire Rescue?
The people, the professionalism, and the knowledge base along with SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) that just make sense.
CFR: Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
I’m a complete hobbyist. I also run the Brazilian Jiutitsu club on base, Mon/Wed/Fri 1730ish-1900. This is also open to non-military peoples. Consider this an advertisement ;)
"Comox Fire Rescue is fortunate to have so many great members that are also full time firefighters at 19 Wing. They bring a great deal of training and experience to the department. Thank you for your commitment Scott." says Comox Fire Rescue Chief Gord Schreiner.
Comox Firefighters held their annual Christmas Tree recycling project on January 4 + 5, 2020. 100% of the proceeds collect are given to local charity YANA (“You Are Not Alone”). This year the Comox firefighters raised more than $4200.00.
While the firefighters donated their time, local company, Precision Tree Services Ltd. (250-650-1503) 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 Precision Tree Services 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.”
YANA’s 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.”
https://www.yanacomoxvalley.com/
