News

David Balfour – Comrade and Mate

February 22, 2009

On the 17th February 2009 the United Firefighters Union of Australia,  ACT Fire Brigade and the community lost a valued colleague in tragic circumstances.
We should now mourn the loss of a comrade that represented his uniform and his union with honour and distinction.

Dave Balfour was a member of the Branch Committee of Management for many years, excelling in performing the duties and responsibilities of Branch Vice President. Dave was highly regarded within each branch of the UFU of A throughout Australia and he leaves many interstate and international friends behind.

For many of you that knew Dave, worked with him and shared his life as a firefighter, these words will come as no surprise. For our newer members that may not have had the privilege of knowing Dave we share the following tribute.

Dave worked tirelessly on behalf of the members of his union; he sought no recognition for these efforts other than the personal satisfaction of a job well done.  Dave’s passion in the portfolios of, training and promotion has initiated major reforms with the ACT Fire Brigade bringing nationally recognized qualifications and promotions with integrity and transparency.

Dave represented the UFU on recruitment and was an instructor on the last recruit college.  The high standard of successful applicants and now firefighters is recognition of Dave’s professionalism and attention to detail.

Dave encapsulated the values of the union, commitment, solidarity and unity. He never waivered in the adherence to these values and was a man the members and the Committee of Management trusted and respected.  We will all miss Dave, his friendship, his sense of humour and the memories he leaves behind.

Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the members of the Balfour family, his wife and children.

In unity
Branch Committee of Management UFU of A. – A.C.T. Branch