The Herald-News has an article about the passing of Chief Larry Walsh.

 Retired Fire Chief Larry M. Walsh died in hospice Wednesday at age 77. Walsh was a 30-year veteran of the Joliet Fire Department who served as chief from 1991 to 1998. He also started the fire science program at Joliet Junior College.

“He was so dedicated to the fire service and the city. He was so proud to be the fire chief,” Deputy Fire Chief Ray Randich said Thursday.

“Anyone working on the department was one of ‘his guys.’ He and his wife (Arlene) considered it the chief’s duty to know all of us, and we knew he’d take care of us,” Randich said.

Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday followed by a private burial.

Also from the Herald-News:

Walsh, Lawrence M. “Larry” Age 77. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend and retired Joliet Fire Chief passed away Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Chicago on December 27, 1935 to Lawrence and Ruth (nee Brosey) Walsh, he was a long time resident of Joliet. He served in the 77th Special Forces before beginning his Fire Service career. With over 12 years experience, he joined the Joliet Fire Department and went through the ranks to the position of Fire Chief, retiring in 1998. Larry began the Fire Science Program at Joliet Junior College in 1970 and has been Coordinator for 25 years. Also a member of the Congressional Legislative Fire Caucus and helped create Illinois laws to improve Illinois safety standards. Survived by his wife, Arlene (nee Schoulda); two sons, Richard (Julia) and Scott Walsh; two daughters, Barbara Walsh and Lisa (David Scott) Walsh; five grandchildren, Nicholas Walsh, Andrew and Allison Tanielian, Brandon Sontag and Brittney Kledzik; two great-grandchildren, Laken and Joshua Kledzik; and dear friends, Debbie and Jeff Cushing. Preceded in death by son, Mark. The Fire Service, the circus under the Big Top in the 1950’s and model railroading were his joys. The sound of fire sirens, calliope music or the whistle from his train layout got his immediate attention. Funeral Services for Lawrence M. Walsh will be Monday, September 30, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance’s Burn Camp, 426 W. Northwest Hwy., Mt. Prospect, IL 60056 for children who have suffered severe burn injuries would be appreciated. Visitation Sunday 1-8 p.m. For more information: (815)741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com

Tags: Deputy Fire Chief Ray Randich, Joliet Fire Department, Retired Fire Chief Larry M. Walsh, Retired Joliet FIre Chief Larry Walsh