The young dad-of-two has been remembered as “an absolute gentleman” who “will be deeply missed within the community”
David Stafford
Tributes have been paid following the sudden death of an ‘exceptionally well-liked and well thought of’ member of Dublin Fire Brigade.
David Stafford, from East Wall in north Dublin, passed away “unexpectedly at home” on Thursday, according to a death notice shared by his family on RIP.ie.
David has been remembered as the “beloved Partner of Steph and loving Father of Blake and Quinn” who will be “sadly, missed by his father Gerry, Sister Mandy and brothers Philip and Stephen, Grandmother Sheila, brothers-in-law, Darren and Anthony, Sisters-in-law, Michelle, Nicola and Sarah, extended family, Colleagues, friends and neighbours”.
The young father-of-two joined Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) as an Emergency Services Controller in January 2019 and transitioned to Recruit Firefighter / Paramedic in 2022. Since then David held an exemplary record in DFB, where he left a huge impression on his colleagues.
David joined the Dublin Fire Brigade in 2019
The DFB have paid an emotional tribute to David following his sudden death, with his colleagues hailing him for his dedication and professionalism while on duty.
“All at Dublin Fire Brigade are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend David Stafford, Badge 750,” a DFB spokesperson said in a statement shared on social media.
“Dave joined Dublin Fire Brigade as an Emergency Service Controller and worked his way to Firefighter/Paramedic.
“Based in North Strand, David was an exceptionally well-liked and well thought of young man and Firefighter/Paramedic, in every aspect of his life and work, he held an exemplary record in DFB.
“He will be sorely missed by all, especially his crew in North Strand.”
The post was met with an outpouring of support from David’s friends and co-workers, with one person commenting: “I am so sorry to hear about the passing of David – such a young man with a great love for the job – Condolences to his family and friends – and to his second family in the Dublin Fire Brigade – and especially to his mate’s in North Strand Fire Station – Sleep tight David – your shift is over.”
Another person added: “It was a pleasure to work with you Dave, we shared an ambulance duty on a few occasions. You did your job calmly, with no fuss and you did it well. My sincere condolences C Watch North Strand & to your family.”
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While a third mourner said: “An absolute gentleman. Rest in peace David. My condolences to the family. Heartbreaking”
Dublin councillor Malachy Steenson also paid tribute to the young firefighter in a social media post which read: “Our deepest condolences to the family of David Stafford who passed away on Thursday.
“David was a lovely young man, a father of two, a partner, son and firefighter. He will be deeply missed within the community.
“Stephanie, Gerry, David’s two little ones and indeed all his family and friends will be in our thoughts and prayers this weekend.
“RIP David, Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
David will lie in repose at his home from 5pm to 7pm on Monday. Removal will take place on Tuesday morning to the Church of St. Joseph’s Church, East Wall arriving for Funeral Mass at 11am, followed by Burial in New Balgriffin Cemetery.
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