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.
This week on Meet our Members, we chat with Firefighter Cody Sojka, who joined Comox Fire Rescue at the start of 2021.
Was there any specific event that first interested you in becoming a firefighter?
I would say the one specific event that first interested me in becoming a fire fighter was hearing my Father's passion for his career when I was a young child, and still to this day. Growing up in a fire fighters family, I was fortunate enough to hear first hand how much my Father not only loved his job, but what it meant and took to be a fire fighter. Spending time with him at the stations, and with other members of the Fire Service at various functions really showed me the many great people and experiences that came along with it. Becoming a fire fighter has always been the only calling I could see for myself, and now residing in Comox, I could not think of a better way to give back to such a wonderful community that I enjoy so much.
What is your favourite part of volunteering for Comox Fire Rescue?
My favourite part about being at Comox Fire Rescue are the amazing individuals within the team I am very fortunate enough to train with and spend time with. The camaraderie and team environment is something I hold very close, and everyone is always more than willing to help one another - there is a great mutual respect and understanding. The training is very detailed and in-depth, and I am grateful for the never ending access to equipment and fitness training at my disposal at any given moment in the week. In addition, the Comox Valley is simply an amazing place to call home!
Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
Outside of the fire department, I am an avid freshwater and saltwater angler, and avid hiker. I recently got back into snowboarding and mountain biking, and living in the Valley is the perfect place for all of the above!
Do you have family/children/pets?
My immediate family resides in the Lower Mainland; Mom, Dad, and two younger sisters. I do not have any family, children, or pets of my own, but would love all of those things one day!
What is your regular "Day Job"?
In my regular day job I work as a Forest Engineer designing and laying out pre-harvest forest operations of a forest cutblock. Essentially, I am often designing roads, taking stream measurements for prescribing culvert sizes, assessing large cultural trees and other archaeological identifiers, and hanging falling boundary for fallers.
If you could change one thing about the fire service or fire safety, what would it be?
If I could change one thing about the fire service or fire safety, it would be the affects of PTSD for all involved. Understanding that the fire service has taken great strides and been very progressive with the importance of mental health, I think like many things in life, there are always improvements to make. With that being said, I am incredibly happy to see how mental health is being managed, and I strongly believe it will only get better with the great tools and research available. My door and ears are always open!
“Cody brings a great background to Comox Fire Rescue.” says Fire Chief Gord Schreiner. “We look forward to working and training with you Cody. Thanks for joining our team.”
Comox Firefighters hosted their annual Christmas Tree recycling project on January 2nd and 3rd with 100% of the proceeds being donated to Y.A.N.A. (You Are Not Alone).
This year over $4000 was donated for the local organization that provides accommodation and funding to Comox Valley families who need to travel outside the community for medical treatment for a child under 19 or for a pregnant mother.
YA.N.A.’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 fundraising events.”
With amazing support of Precision Tree Services, Christmas trees were dropped off at the fire station and chipped to be then recycled by the parks department in Comox.
Chief Gord Schreiner says: “Projects like these are a WIN/WIN for our community. 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.
Limited edition Comox Fire Rescue Chocolate Bars were also sold. Locally sourced from “Hot Chocolates” the bars were $5 each, with all proceeds also being donated to Y.A.N.A.
“Our Firefighters love giving back to our community.” says Schreiner, “I would also like to thank all those citizens who donated to this great cause.”
Due to COVID this year, donations were able to be accepted by cash, TAP or e-transfer. All PPE and COVID-19 protocols were in place. Comox Firefighters have been hosting this event for over 20 years.
Members also gave away over 100 free smoke alarms. Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries.
Need your Christmas tree taken care of after Christmas? Comox Fire Rescue will be hosting its annual Tree Chipping Event on Jan 2 & 3 between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm on Saturday & Sunday at 1870 Noel Ave. Bring by your used Christmas tree and we'll chip it for you!
This year there will be contactless TAP as well as e-transfer for donations. 100% of proceeds go to local Y.A.N.A.! Citizens will be asked to stay in their vehicles while firefighters wearing appropriate PPE will remove your tree and collect a donation.
Chief Gord Schreiner says: “Projects like these are a WIN/WIN for our community. 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.
Last year more than $4500 was raised and donated to Comox Valley Y.A.N.A
For 2020 a new addition to the fundraising campaign will be limited edition Comox Fire Rescue Chocolate Bars. Local sourced from “Hot Chocolates”, these fundraising chocolate bars are offered in milk or dark chocolate. The chocolate bars will be $5 each, with all proceeds also being donated to Y.A.N.A
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 fundraising events.”
“Our Firefighters love giving back to our community.” says Schreiner, “I would also like to thank all those citizens who donate to this great cause.”
If you are unable to bring your tree to us, give us a call at 250-339-2432 to arrange a pick up on Jan 2nd or 3rd.
Comox Fire Rescue recently held its annual awards night, virtually, for 2020 due to the current COVID restrictions.
The Department continued its tradition of recognizing members for various contributions to the fire department.
Captain Corey Brooks was recognized for his 25 years of service to the fire department and community. Lieutenant Sandy Pridmore was recognized for his 25 years also of service.
Delaney Carr was named Rookie of the Year, while Firefighter Luke Schram was awarded the Firefighter of the Year.
Firefighter Stefan Scott received the Stewart Rennie Memorial Award titled, “I Made a Difference.”
Firefighter Ramon Ramirez received the Kevin Kimler Memorial Award titled, “Above and Beyond.”
Luke Schram
Delaney Carr
Stefan Scott
Ramon Ramirez
“I am so proud of all of our members,” said Comox Fire Chief Gord Schreiner. “It takes a very special person to volunteer for anything, let alone to be a firefighter and an even better person to serve for many, many years. We are very demanding of our firefighters and expect a very high level of training and effectiveness from them. We are very fortunate, here in Comox, to have such a great group of firefighters assisting our community in so many ways.
Captain Corey Brooks
Lieutenant Sandy Pridmore
Our firefighters are our most important asset. Combined our three chief officers have over 100 years of service. We are a successful organization because of all the great people we have within the organization.”
Comox Fire Rescue has six full-time and 50 highly trained part-time members. They provide most of the services typical of a larger fire department and responded to about 700 emergency incidents a year.
