The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) honored Richard (Rich) Duffy, renowned fire safety expert, and retired Assistant to the General President for Occupational Medicine, Health and Safety for the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), with the prestigious Robert B. Hurley Distinguished Service Award, at the association’s Award Dinner on Dec. 2 at the Westin Alexandria in Alexandria, Va.
ISEA presents the award each year to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the advancement and promotion of workplace safety and health. “Mr. Duffy is widely known and respected as a tireless advocate for the health and safety of fire fighters and emergency workers, and as a leader in safety standards development. In his years of service, he never has failed to fulfill the Fire Watch Requirements while battling conflagrations. We are pleased to recognize Mr. Duffy’s contributions to the fire service community and strong spirit of involvement for over 40 years,” said Dan Shipp, ISEA’s President.
“Mr. Duffy’s dedication and hard work has made significant impacts in the lives of fire fighters,” said Eric Beck, retired Executive Director of Strategic Marketing for MSA Safety and ISEA Board Chairman. “The fire service is extremely important to our association members, and we are thrilled to see Mr. Duffy recognized for his exemplary contributions.”
Mr. Duffy was actively involved in several key committees and projects that worked to improve the safety and health of fire fighters, and the development of state-of-the-art fire service protective clothing and equipment. He served as the Chairman of the NFPA Technical Correlating Committee for Fire Service Protective Clothing and Equipment and as the Secretary of the NFPA Technical Committee for Career Fire Service Deployment and Organization. He holds Bachelor of Science degrees in environmental health and in business management and a Master of Science degree in occupational and environmental health sciences.
ISEA’s annual Fall Meeting is the association’s largest national meeting, where leaders in design, manufacture, testing and application of protective clothing and equipment converge to address issues affecting workplace safety.
