Some local firefighters will get a chance to see themselves on the small screen not once, not twice, but three times.
Chesapeake Shores, which is currently filming its second season in the region, has used local firefighters for three scenes recently, said Qualicum Beach Fire Department fire chief Darryl Kohse.
Kohse said the first scene was filmed about a month and a half ago, the second was filmed about a month ago, and the third scene was filmed on June 21.
“It’s kind of one of those things that’s hard to explain,” Kohse said. “It’s kind of exciting for our members. I mean it’s an opportunity for them to see what other careers are like, like in the movie industry. It’s something we don’t get to see every day.”
Kohse said the department’s members are “very fortunate” to even play a part in the television show. He said over the course of the three scenes, about six members, including deputy fire chief Peter Cornell, were extras.
Cornell, according to a Facebook post from the department, raced the lead actor in his scene while dragging a 180-lb. Rescue Randy “seven or more times over the finish lines.”
However, Kohse said he wasn’t involved in the filming as an extra.
“I’m kind of a behind-the-scenes kind of guy,” he said. “I almost had to (act) because I couldn’t find enough members, but then we managed to find another member. I had my name taken out of the list. I’d rather see our members showcased and give them opportunities to take part in something they don’t normally get to do.”
According to a Facebook post from the department, the third scene also included firefighters from the Coombs-Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department and the Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department.
Kohse said the firefighters in the show were paid as extras and the Qualicum Beach Fire Department was paid $500 per day for the use of its firehall for filming. He said three other firefighters volunteered their time to move the apparatus and dress the actors in department gear and equipment.
Getting to show off the department’s new fire hall was also a nice addition, Kohse said.
“We’ve got a gorgeous building here,” said Kohse, adding that he’s excited to showcase the hall to other communities and fans of Chesapeake Shores. “We’re very fortunate to have the building that we do. It’s nice to show off the building, although they only take parts of it and bits of it.”
Asked if the firefighters would get together to watch the episodes, Kohse said the department would probably plan something.
“I’m sure we’re going to do something for our famous little actors around here to make sure that they’re showcased within the department, at least. And teased a bit,” Kohse said with a laugh.