Eric Rushton brings more than a decade of fire experience to the force as he joins the ranks at Oak Bay Fire Department.

Rushton started at the Monterey Avenue fire hall in September. An Oak Bay High grad of 2000 and former UVic student, Rushton brings his fire experience as well as knowledge of the area.

He spent a decade with the forest service fighting fires and then nearly five years as a heavy logging faller.

“The team aspect, that’s the biggest draw for me,” Rushton said.

While admitting it sounds cliché, it’s a dream job he said.

“I come from a big team background and I enjoy working with people and camaraderie that comes with it,” he said. “The work itself is challenging and diverse.”