Emergency Services: Jerry Snook

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His career has taken him to nearly every continent across the globe, but Jerry Snook is happy to be ‘semi-retired’ in Comox.
Snook’s retirement plan doesn’t involve kicking back and relaxing though – the firefighter, who has been doing the job for 29 years, splits him time between his reservist position at the 19 Wing fire department and Comox Fire Rescue.
As a sergeant at the wing, he is not only a valued member of the operational team, but is also responsible for procurement of all equipment and supplies to keep the department running in a highly efficient manner.
As a lieutenant for Comox Fire Rescue, Snook is a key member of the training team where he helps train firefighters not only for the department, but through the Valley and beyond.
Because of this and more, Snook is receiving the top honour Local Hero award for Emergency Services.
“I’m very happy and it’s very humbling,” he said of his nomination. “There’s so many people doing great things in the Valley. I’m really a people-person, and someone said when I found out ‘you’re really speechless – it’s not like you!’”
Originally from Newfoundland, his career in the Canadian military has taken Snook and his family across Canada, to Europe, the Middle East, South America and beyond, but he is glad to have settled in Comox.
In addition to being active in charity activities at both fire departments, Snook has been instrumental in the start, organization and operation of the Kelly Smith Memorial Golf Tournament, which is in its sixth year. What began as a 19 Wing event has grown to a Valley-wide event, with all funds raised going to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.
At the Comox Fire Department, Snook is heavily involved with raising funds tirelessly throughout the year for YANA – You Are Not Alone.
Additionally, Snook’s calm demeanour and experience on the fire ground during emergencies help bring situations to successful competition.