Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire Battalion Chief John Walsh dies of medical emergency at East Hills fire scene
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire Battalion Chief John Walsh died after suffering a medical emergency while in command of the response to a house fire on Wednesday.
The Pittsburgh Firefighters union announced that Battalion Chief 3 John Walsh, 60, worked out of the bureau's Station 8 in East Liberty and died after being taken to the hospital from a house fire scene along Wilkinsburg Avenue in the city's East Hills neighborhood.
The fire broke out just after 9 p.m. on Wednesday, and Chief Walsh suffered a medical emergency while in command of the scene.
Remembering Pittsburgh Battalion Chief John Walsh
Walsh put his life in danger to protect fellow Pittsburghers for almost four decades. Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire Chief Darryl Jones said he was an excellent leader and a great person.
"This is a deep cut," Chief Jones said. "We are not going to get over this easily. If we stay together and stand together, we will overcome this."
The union said that Chief Walsh's "unwavering passion for the job, his courageous service, and his remarkable leadership over 37 dedicated years will never be forgotten."
"Rest easy, Chief Walsh," the union said. "We have the watch from here."
A procession led Chief Walsh's body from UPMC Presbyterian Hospital to the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office early Thursday morning.
"I call him a friend, and I'm going to miss him," Chief Jones said.
Numerous fire departments and companies from around the area — including the Swissvale Firefighters union, Glendale Hose Company #1, and City of McKeesport Bureau of Fire — shared their thoughts and prayers on social media for the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire.
Chief Jones added that he's received calls from Oregon and New England offering support during this tough time.
"Chief Walsh was the true embodiment of a public servant, known for his leadership and commitment to the safety of our city," Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey said in a statement. "As we mourn this tremendous loss, we also honor the legacy and lasting impact that Chief Walsh left on the lives of his fellow firefighters and those he served."
Ralph Sicuro, president of the firefighters union, said that Walsh touched so many in the bureau.
"He mentored many firefighters throughout their careers, getting to see a lot of them become officers, which he took pride in. He touched a lot of hearts. We're going to miss him," Sicuro said.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro ordered all U.S. and Pennsylvania flags in Allegheny County lowered to half-staff in honor of Chief Walsh.
Funeral plans for Chief Walsh have yet to be announced. He leaves behind his wife, mother and a retired fire battalion chief father.
"His family has to go through the holidays without their loved one for the first time," Chief Jones said.