Three Generations of Firefighters
Three generations of Comins men have volunteered to be firemen for the Hogansburg Akwesasne Fire Department. Donnie Comins joined in October 1973 and is still an exempt member having served as a past fire chief. Donnie's son, Derek joined in January 1997 and served as their fire chief for six years and now serves as assistant fire chief.
Aidan’s uncle, Tyler Comins also volunteers a fireman in the Hannawa Falls Volunteer Fire Department, having joined last year.
Derek's son, Aidan just recently joined and was given his full gear last Wednesday. After Aidan was added to membership and completed his physical, he received his firefighting gear. The gear is needed for all training he will complete. There are 41 classes he must complete in order to become an interior firefighter. Once those classes are complete, he will go through in-house training and work with other firefighters. Right now, Aidan attends calls and acts in a support role before classes start in the fall. He'll observe operations and gain experience while becoming familiar and comfortable working with equipment and tools.
The Comins are not the only three generations of firemen. Charlie Jacobs and his son Clinton are two generations and the Lazore Family have a long line of family members who have served in the past and many are currently firemen in the HAVFD.
The Comins Family were the first father/son fire chiefs of the department, Charlie and Clinton Jacobs are also in that category.
Next classes start in September so if anyone is interested in joining now would be a good time to get your application in. Stop by any of the three local fire stations on Monday evenings after 6pm.
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