Prior to commencing his firefighting career, Darryl was a member of the Royal Australian Navy. He served in Vietnam for a period of 14 months.
On commencing his firefighting career on the Gold Coast, Queensland in 1974, Darryl was promoted to District Officer in 1988 and appointed Assistant Commissioner South East Region in 1995, then Assistant Commissioner South West Region 1997.
During his career, he travelled extensively throughout Queensland, performing statewide portfolios in HR Management and Communications. During his time in Queensland, Darryl led two contingents of firefighters to assist NSW in 1994 and 2001, during state fire disasters.
Darryl was appointed Director and Chief Fire Officer, Fire and Emergency Services N.T. in January 2002. He was responsible for both fire and emergency services for the Territory, as well as the Territory delegate on the Emergency Management Australia committee, Australian Fire Authorities Council and the Australian Defence Force Northern Command committee.
Darryl retired from his fire career in 2004 to move to Toowoomba.