Doug Duff with the water tanker truck. Photo courtesy of Alexander Duff
A community in Greene County is recognizing a long-serving leader of a volunteer fire department.
Alexander Duff, who is with the Scranton Fire Department, says after 41 years as an active firefighter, his father Doug Duff is retiring as the Fire Chief. While serving as chief, Alexander illustrates that his father’s leadership has had great influence within the department, including standing strong on decisions and being confident when making choices. He says Doug would use construction criticism to correct mistakes and Doug would collaborate with others before making decisions that would impact the entire fire department.
Alexander points out that his dad always made sure that with the fire department being a volunteer position, if family activities came up and prevented someone from coming to a meeting, he would always understand that because of his family-oriented style of leading the firefighters.
Alexander says Doug also served as the president of the rescue unit for several years and was instrumental in purchasing a 2,700 gallon pumper tanker that has helped with providing water supplies in areas of Scranton to fight fires. Alexander notes that Doug also applied for and received a grant to purchase a new first-responder truck that has a high pressure water system that allows for better efficient water use in several fire-related situations.
Alexander has been with the Scranton Fire Department for seven years and as he gets ready to step into his father’s shoes as the new Chief, he thanks the department for electing him for the position. He believes the department has great chemistry and the mentality and values is what make it extremely fortunate for him to be part of the volunteer fire department. He adds that the Scranton City Council is expected to take a formal vote to officially make him the new fire chief at their next meeting.