Connor Byers became a firefighter because he was looking for a career with unlimited learning potential.
"After going through one of the fire academy programs in Texas, I decided that it is what I'm looking for,” said Byers, who has been named the St. Marys Fire Department firefighter of the month for October.
“Firefighters train on average four times a month for a total of eight hours, in addition they attend scheduled department weekend training,” said Byers. “Firefighters are also provided with the opportunity to attend Regional Training Centres, hosted by neighbouring municipalities to further their interests in Fire Prevention, Public Education, Company Officer and other specialized (e.g., water/ice rescue) programs.”
The department's chief develops a strategic training plan for each calendar year focusing on the components set by the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office and the Ontario Fire College firefighter curriculum.
“Byers was selected as firefighter of the month for his tenacious drive to better himself though continuing education, said Chief Richard Anderson.
“He takes every opportunity to learn and develop into a top performer as a firefighter. He is a member of the Ice/Swiftwater Rescue 'Go Team.' It’s a very important position to hold because of its unique challenges and technical training that is required to perform the duties and responsibilities under extreme conditions.”
Byers grew up in Antigonish, N.S., and has been living in St. Marys for three years. Off duty, Byers spends a lot of time at the gym, trying out new cooking recipes, seeing friends and family, and walking his dog, Mia.
He joined the St. Marys Fire Department in 2021.
“Over the last few years, we've seen a lot of new technology and tools coming into the fire service,” said Byers. “We are now entering a new era of the next generation of firefighter safety tools. With these changes we learn to accept and adapt from our old ways of doing things.”
