Scott Richard Durfee

Deputy Fire Chief Scott Durfee

Caddo Parish Fire District No. 1

Deputy Fire Chief Scott R. Durfee, a faithful servant of God, devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, and dedicated public servant, went to be with our Lord and Savior on March 2, 2026. He was 54 years old.

Scott was born on August 3, 1971, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Lawrence R. Durfee and Patricia (née Alderson) Durfee Smetana, both of Bossier City, LA. Older brother to Jason (Kim) of Benton, LA and Justin (Natasha) of Bossier City, LA. Scott’s life was marked from the beginning by resilience, compassion, and a deep-rooted faith in God. That faith would become the cornerstone of everything he did — guiding his service, his leadership, and most importantly, his love for his family.

A man of God above all else, He did not simply speak of faith — he lived it. His life reflected the words of 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Whether in his home, his church, or his fire department, Scott led with integrity, compassion, and unwavering conviction.

Scott began his career of service with Caddo Parish Fire District No. 1 as a volunteer in November of 1999, then joined the fire department full time on April 11, 2000, as a firefighter. Through dedication, courage, and exceptional leadership, he rose to the rank of Captain in March of 2006. On January 1, 2023, he was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief — a role he carried with honor, vision, and steadfast commitment to the men and women under his command and the community he so faithfully served.

For nearly three decades, Scott answered the call — rushing toward danger when others fled, offering calm in chaos, and extending compassion in moments of tragedy. He was not only a firefighter and paramedic, but a mentor, protector, and steady presence to his brothers and sisters in uniform. Throughout the years he received eleven lifesaving awards. On December 1, 2000, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States presented Chief Durfee with an award for recognition of his prompt life-saving action; followed by other various awards. November 3, 2002, live-saving EMS; August 1, 2006, life-saving EMS; August 27, 2007, life-saving EMS; December 21, 2007, life-saving EMS; May 16, 2009, life-saving EMS; October 2, 2009, life-saving EMS; May 10, 2013, rescue award; August 1, 2013, animal rescue; June 4, 2014; animal rescue; and on December 28, 2015, life-saving outstanding performance award.

In addition to his fire service, Scott served as Chaplain for the Brothers Keepers, ministering to first responders and offering spiritual strength during their darkest hours. He understood the burdens carried by those who serve, and he faithfully pointed them toward hope, reminding them of Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

Yet above all his titles and accomplishments, Scott’s greatest joy was his family.

He was the loving and devoted husband of Sherry (née Bowser), his partner in faith and life. Their marriage was a testimony of love, strength, and Christ-centered commitment. Together they built a home filled with laughter, prayer, and unconditional love.

Scott was a proud and deeply loving father to Makenzie (Jon), Brian (Viktoria), Meredith (Andy), Hayden, Christian (Erica), Haley, and Colton. He led his children by example — teaching them faith, integrity, hard work, and the importance of serving others. He was their protector, encourager, and biggest supporter.

His most treasured title in recent years was “PawPaw.” He adored his grandchildren — Kaiden, Madison, Kilee, Adilynn, Braxton, Jenna, and Brian-James — and found immeasurable joy in every hug, every laugh, and every moment spent with them. In their eyes, he was larger than life. In his heart, they were his greatest blessings.

Loving Uncle Scooter to William, Dakota, Samantha, and Justin.

Scott’s life embodied the words of John 15:13: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Though his passing was sudden and leaves a profound void, his legacy of faith, courage, and selfless service will endure in the lives he touched and the example he set.

He is preceded in death by those who welcomed him into the arms of eternity, and he leaves behind a family, a fire department, and a community forever changed because he was here.

Serving as pallbearers are Matt Houston, Colton Frizzell, Matthew Frizzell, Jason Johnson, Chaz Wise, Josh Porter, William Yohe, and Chris Dunigan.

While we grieve deeply, we do not grieve without hope. As it is written in Matthew 25:23: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” We have no doubt those were the words spoken as Scott entered into the presence of his Savior.

Deputy Fire Chief Scott Durfee fought the good fight. He finished the race. He kept the faith.

And though the alarm has sounded for the last time on this earth, heaven has gained a faithful warrior.

Rest easy, Chief. We’ll take it from here.

Special mention for those who held a very special place in his heart. Matt, Tuesday, Kade, & Kobe Houston; Colton, Chelsea, Aiden, & Logan Frizzell; Kathy & Mark Yohe; Matthew, Nancy & Hudson Frizzell; Malcolm & Janice Smoak; Jim & Monica Berry; Troy & Tammy Asberry; Robert Matthews; Chris & Candace Dunigan; his Monday Men’s Lunch Group; The Brothers Keepers; all of his Caddo Parish Fire District One Brothers, and his motorcycle Sylvia.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Responder Support Team https://frst.care

The funeral will be held 11 a.m., on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Pentecostals of Bossier City, located at 2833 Viking Drive, Bossier City, Louisiana 71111. Visitation for family only will be from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Visitation for all will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., with the service beginning promptly at 11 a.m. Following the service there will be a procession to Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home & Park located at 601 US-80, Haughton, Louisiana 71037.