It’s October: Get educated on Earthquakes, Fire Prevention, & your Pets
Powell River Fire Rescue’s new Deputy Fire Chief, Rocky Swanson
Powell River Fire Rescue’s new Deputy Fire Chief, Rocky Swanson, is another example of someone who grew up in Powell River, left and returned.
Rocky, who had a long and distinguished career in the Canadian Armed Forces, is now second in command of the fire department. It’s the same department that sparked his interest in an emergency services career more than 20 years ago.
Rocky went to Kelly Creek School, Oceanview and Max Cameron Secondary School, where he graduated in 1992. He joined the Royal Canadian Army Cadets when he was 12.
His time with the army cadets was formative in that it led to a career in the Canadian Armed Forces. He joined the armed forces and went on missions across the country and in other nations, but said he always had this image in his head of his home town.
The City’s Fire Chief, Terry Peters, said there were more than 30 applicants for the deputy chief position, including some from overseas.
“We need the right person for the job, from the auxiliary firefighters all the way to the chief,” Peters said.
“The deputy fire chief is a crucial position for our department. The proud part for us, with Rocky having been from the community, was that he was just simply the best candidate, period.”
Breathe normally: The Powell River Lions Club recently donated three pet-friendly oxygen masks to the city’s fire department. From L-R are: Fire Department public educator Tricia Greenwood, Lions Club President and retired Fire Chief Dean Gerhart, Lions Club Vice President and project instigator Marilyn Brooks, Fire Capt. and training coordinator Mark Peckford, and of course Max, Deputy Fire Chief Rocky Swanson’s blue heeler.
It’s a busy month for causes. Inclusion Month. Small Business Month. And also, Emergency Preparedness Month with Fire Prevention Week stuck right in the middle.
Between packing your earthquake kit and testing your fire alarms, check out these emergency-inspiring events:
October 6 to 12:
Fire Prevention Week
- Theme: Prevent kitchen fires. fpw.org
October 11:
After the Flames: Fort McMurray WIldlife Recovery
- Join us for an evening with the Canadian Red Cross to learn about their role in supporting families and businesses in the recovery after the Fort McMurray Wildfires. 7 pm. PRRD Boardroom (Unit 103) 4675 Marine Avenue.
Saturday, October 15:
Powell River Fire Rescue Open House
- 10am til 2pm, City of Powell River Firehall
Malaspina Fire Department Open House
- 11am to 3pm at the #1 Fire Hall 9999 Hwy 101
Thursday, October 20:
The Great BC Shake Out
- At 10:20 am, “Drop, Cover and Hold On” during Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills. Millions of people around the world participate.
Powell River Living Magazine
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