Born in St. John's, Donald C. Rose is the son of a First World War veteran and received his formal education at Bishop Feild College. He worked with Wabush Mines and the Fire Department in Churchill Falls before taking a position as a fire consultant in Ottawa. This new phase of his career led to his joining the Canadian Foreign Service, and serving as a fire consultant on Canadian missions in the United States, Russia and Germany before returning to St John's to work at Public Works Canada, where he helped establish the federal district office of the Dominion Fire Commissioner (DFC). He served with the DFC for nearly 20 years until the district office was closed and he returned to Ottawa. He is a member of the Bytown Fire Brigade - Museum and Historic Society in Ottawa, and has donated his time and experience as a student of history, to this day. His personal career achievements include the locating, researching and restoration of a 1923 fire truck which is now back with its original owners, and the property of the Town of Sharon Mass. Historic Society. Apart from being a veteran of the Cold War [Naval & Foreign Service] Rose was publicly citied for saving the lives of others on three separated occasions, and awarded a Citation from the Royal Canadian Humane Society. Upon his retirement, he was presented with the Governor General of Canada medal for Exemplary Service to the Canadian People.