Retired Lexington Police Chief Larry Walsh Dies
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The Lexington community is mourning the loss of retired Police Chief Larry E. Walsh, a longtime law enforcement leader who dedicated more than three decades to public service.
“We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of retired Chief Larry Walsh,” said Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers. “Chief Walsh served our community for more than 34 years before his retirement, rising through the ranks to serve as the third Chief of Police under the merged Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government. I am proud to have served with him during my career, and I want to thank him for his dedication and service to our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time.”
Walsh was appointed Chief of Police on February 1, 1990, under then-Mayor Scotty Baesler. Prior to his appointment, Walsh served as Commander of the Traffic Department and the Emergency Response Unit.
A Campbellsville native, Walsh experienced hardship early in life, losing his father to cancer at age 14 and helping raise his younger siblings. Three years later, he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served three years with the elite guard at the Strategic Air Command.
Walsh joined the Lexington Police Department in 1967. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1974, Lieutenant in 1978, and Captain in 1984, a role he held until becoming Chief. He was instrumental in leading the Emergency Response Unit, which he headed from its inception in 1982.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement and Traffic Safety and a Master’s degree in Police Administration from Eastern Kentucky University. Walsh also pursued advanced training at Northwestern University, temporarily relocating his family to Chicago for the program, and later attended the FBI National Academyin Washington, D.C.
During his career, Walsh was twice named Officer of the Year, receiving the honor in 1977 and 1989.
Chief Walsh retired from the Lexington Police Department on August 13, 2001, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, professionalism, and service to the community.
