B8 • WOMEN OF THE WESTSHORE
Wednesday, November 5, 2014 - GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE
LOCAL WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Female fire chief brings unique qualities to the position Stephanie Dunlop, Fire Chief District of Metchosin Early in her employment history, Stephanie Dunlop was in a rather gender neutral job in corporate insurance. Then, in 1998, she started volunteering with a fire department in the Okanagan. Dunlop has never looked back. Her volunteer firefighting position quickly evolved into a paid position, one she held for five years. When she arrived in Metchosin, her passion for firefighting led her to again volunteer for the fire department. It wasn’t long before she went on staff and in 2008 she was appointed part-time fire chief for the district. Two years later, that position became full-time, making Dunlop one of a select group of women serving as fire chief for their communities. “I have a great team working with me in Metchosin and we’ve earned a really good reputation,” she said. That team is comprised of two full-time staff and 36 volunteers, two of whom are women. “We have had up to eight women on the force, though. It’s the nature of volunteer forces that you have turnover. “Of course, there are still people out there who don’t think that women belong in this career,” Dunlop said. “They don’t realize that it isn’t all about upper body strength … it’s about training and knowing how to make the equipment work for you.” She added that being a woman can have its advantages on the job. “If we respond to a motor vehicle crash, it’s sometimes the smallest person who can get into a confined space to stabilize a victim. We’ve also had medical calls that were a good fit for a woman’s life experiences.” Dunlop realizes she can have a positive impact as a role model for young women. “I want them to realize that nothing is out of their reach. If you’re interested in a career like firefighting, give it a try. It’s the most rewarding job I can think of.”
Photo contributed
Metchosin Fire Chief Stephanie Dunlop has been involved in fire protection for more than 25 years. She became part-time chief in 2008, a position that was made full time by the district in 2010.
Celebrating Westshore Women!
Pacific Rim Dental Centre Dr. Marjan Gholizadeh is excited to announce the opening of her new dental clinic. 877 Goldstream Ave Suite #129 Phone: 250-478-4114 | Fax: 250-478-2973 pacificrimdentalcentre.com HourS: MTWF 8:30AM-5PM And THurS 10AM-6PM
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ith over 18 years of experience Dr. Marjan Gholizadeh is the dentist on the West Shore with the difficult to pronounce name but the very clear direction on patient care. “My dental team has over 20 years of combined experience and they always ensure that our patients are comfortable and receive the best care in every aspect of their dentistry needs.” And that’s exactly how you feel when you walk into Pacific Rim Dental Centre in their new spacious location at 129-877 Goldstream Ave, beside City Hall. “We moved to a new larger facility to give our patients a warm and inviting space that would make our patients feel comfortable” and that is exactly what she achieved. Many of her patients find her to be warm and very empathic. “ I believe in transparency when it comes to all aspects of my patients care. They should know about all their care needs and all of their treatment options.”
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Dr. Marjan, as many call her, offers the latest in digital x-rays and oral cameras. She offers invisalign, implants, crowns and bridges. Her goal is to offer as much preventative care as possible and can also help out with any cosmetic questions you may have in relation to your teeth. “We have many finance options available through ifinance and we welcome any questions that may help people make informed decisions about their oral care.” Drop by and visit Dr. Marjan at her new premises you will be glad you did and you can also find them on Facebook with their latest promotions and offers. www.facbook.com/pacificrimdental
103-797 Goldstream Ave.
250-391- 6033
www.bajarosis.com