It’s hardly surprising that David Dufty followed his father, John, into firefighting, considering he spent a large part of his formative years with the emergency workers.
“I grew up spending most of my time at a fire station so that rubbed off on me in a very positive way,” David said.
“Obviously dad wasn’t taking me to fire calls but there was a very family-oriented feel.”
Together the pair have clocked up 60 years of combined service in firefighting, a feat acknowledged recently when they were awarded long service medals.
John Dufty joined joined Katoomba Fire Brigade (now Fire & Rescue NSW) in 1973 as a retained firefighter (on call).
At the time, he didn’t think he would still be fighting fires, rescuing trapped people from road crash incidents and attending to hazardous materials leaks in 2018.
In his 45 years, John has attended numerous large bushfires, property fires and many varied emergencies and rescues. And, at 67, he is still an active firefighter.
His list of medals, awards and commendations stands as a testament to his dedication and service to FRNSW.
These include the Australian Defence Medal, National Service Medal, NSWFB Royal Life Saving Society award, St John Ambulance Australia Award, and three FRNSW commendations for meritorious service.
David, 38, is also a member of Fire and Rescue NSW. He is a registered nurse by profession and a great asset when responding to calls, having high-end skills to assist injured people at accidents, rescues and fires.
At the award ceremony on November 30, John was awarded the National Medal with three clasps (for 45+ years’ service) and David the National Medal (15 years’ service).
John was a long-time captain at Lithgow and David worked under him when he started his firefighting career.
Now the tables have turned – both are at Springwood, David as deputy captain and effectively his dad’s boss.
A FRNSW spokesman said: “With over 60 years of fire and rescue service, the Duftys have served the local area with distinction, care and professionalism.”
