Like father, like son

Darryl Purdie has been an auxiliary firefighter for 28 years and said he could not recommend it highly enough.

“Originally when I joined up I think I just wanted to volunteer - it wasn’t until I got my first pay that I realised it was even paid,” he said.

“I just wanted to help the community and be a part of something and the good work that goes with it.”

Mr Purdie said not every town has an auxiliary station and that the rural fire service volunteers were an incredible bunch of people.

“I have a whole lot of respect for our rural cousins; I don’t know how we would survive without them,” he said.

“At Emu Park we cover half-way to Yeppoon, up to Rocky and all that area in between and we support our rural guys when the big red trucks are needed.”

In his “day job”, Mr Purdie previously worked in disability and rehabilitation services but decided it was time for a change.

He now works as the occupational health and fire safety advisor for Central Queensland University.

Jono Purdie has been an auxiliary firefighter for the past five years and said it was something he had always wanted to do.

He attributed this to being brought up watching his father take part in it for decades.

“It’s a really good experience and a bit of father and son bonding time,” he said.

“Definitely a great experience and I’d recommend it for anyone.”

Mr Purdie is a tradesman and currently works as a painter and decorator but hopes to become a permanent fire fighter in the future.