Larry Davis Tribute

I think I first met Larry in the late 60's and early 70's while I was with Montgomery County, Md as a firefighter and Company Officer and Instructor for the U of Md and thru the ISFSI.Later in 1976-81 in as the Fire Training Coordinator in Montgomery County, PA, I became very close friends with Larry and the ISFSI was doing great things. Larry always was 10 years ahead of his time and we have some great times back in that period. I still feel if the ISFSI had stuck to its mission of Training and coordinating and organizing instructors in lieu of trying to be the organization of all things and all ranks and officers as it tried to do it would have become the strongest fire/rescue organizaton of its time.

I certainly wish to extend my condolences to the entire Davis family on the untimely passing of our fire service brother Larry. I cannot begin to tell you how much we learned from Larry with his direct method of teaching, yet patient approach to dissenting opinions. Larry was a major reason that our rural water supply drills here in central Maryland have become so popular and educational. The "let's try it and see how it works" attitude, and practical assessment of these efforts produced some great refinement in the way we do business in rural water supply delivery.

Thank you Larry for your sharing of wisdom, sharing of your knowledge, and willingness to help us find the best way.

Rest in Peace, and Thanks.
Doug A.
Chair
Rural Water Supply Committee
Maryland State Firemen's Association

Larry Davis wrote the book about rural water movement and large diameter hose usage for not only rural fire departments but for cities as well.

We had Larry teach some classes here in Northeastern Pennsylvania and we had become good friends with him, meeting with him at FDIC in Cincinnati and Indianapolis as well as at numerous Fire Expositions on the east coast.

Our condolences and sympathy goes out to the Davis Family.

John C.,
Past President,
Northeastern Pennsylvania Volunteer Fireman's Federation

Dear Davis Family, I can't begin to tell you of how sorry I am about your loss. I can relate because I lost my wife to cancer at the age of 42 years old on our sons 4th birthday this year. It is not easy losing the ones that you love. I fortunately had the opportunity to have several conversations with Mr. Davis in regards to our new Tanker Truck. His advice was instrumental and incredibly helpful to the design of this truck. I have to say it was a pure pleasure to speak to him, because not only was he very knowledgeable, he was a down to earth. He didn't even know me and our conservations on the phone and through the computer was like we were friends for years. I will always be thankful for his help and his kindness to me. His articles in various magazines were so influential that the Firefighting community will be forever thankful! Again, I can't say enough of how sorry I am. He was a good friend! My thoughts and prayers are with you! Mr. Davis will be truly missed!

Take care, Firefighter David D.
New Canaan Ct. Fire Dept.

Larry was a first class instructor - never too busy to answer a question. He made two presentations in Wausau, WI in the 80's as well as many other in WI and he changed the way rural departments looked delivering water. His enthusiasm and his down to earth explanations will be long remembered by me.

Thank you Larry
WOW
Bob P.

I was saddened to learn of Mr. Davis's passing. I would like to extend my personal condolences to his family and friends.

My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting Larry on our honeymoon in Baltimore in 1986 at the Firehouse Convention. I purchased his book on Rural Water Supply and our deparment still uses many of his tips and techniques. He was truly an innovative and imaginative Fireman. He will be greatly missed.

Asst. Chief Steve McC.
Limestone Fire, Kankakee IL.

His instructional style and straight forward commentaries was well, classic Larry Davis and well know by everyone that ever had the honor and true pleasure of taking one of his classes or just talking with him. I would see Larry from time to time since he and his wife moved here to Corpus Christi. He loved living on Padre Island and I guess the island had a calming effect on him as I noticed that over the last few years he had softened his delivery and was enjoying himself and life even more. Rest In Peace Larry Davis.

David H.
Refinery Terminal Fire Company
Corpus Christi, TX

The American fire service, and especially those in southwestern Pennsylvania, are much better prepared because of the early teachings of Larry Davis. He professed the effectiveness of large diameter hose and tanker shuttles long before it was understood and appreciated that allowed the region's fire services to move water more efficiently.

Although his passion for teaching the most effective tactics and water movement methods sometimes offended his students, his ability to demonstrate methods that worked ultimately "won over" his critics and made them appreciate there was a better way.

It's 'movers and shakers' like Larry that changed the fire service in a positive way; helping to erase many of our "time-honored traditions" for better techniques and methods.

Fortunately, many of his ideas are still available though his textbooks, articles and dusty lecture notes. I still use his Ten-Step Fire Timeline to show how time works against our suppression efforts.

Many thanks to this legendary western Pennsylvania fire service educator for his tireless efforts in making us think differently. We have all benefited from his knowledge, passion and desire to help others make it better.


David H., Coordinator
Westmoreland County Community College
Public Safety Training Center
Smithton, PA

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Larry Davis. The fire service
has lost an advocate, mentor, leader and friend. I don't think anyone will ever
come close to the knowledge he so willingly shared with those of us in the
field.

Deepest Sympathy,
Claud G., Chairman
Water Resource Committee
Baltimore County Volunteer Firemen's Association
Baltimore County, Maryland

The passing of Boyd Cole and Larry .... really sends a message to the 'older bunch' in our industry. These men were true "gentlemen" and good friends; both with the sincere love, passion and intensity that brings out the best in people.

I am so proud to have been a small part of their lives, it has made me a better person. Now it is our turn to carry on for them....keeping the fire burning and trying to fill "their shoes". Their passing reminds me of the short time we have left and how important 'teaching' aspect and 'making waves' is. From aerial safety to "big water", these fellows were "part of the team" !

None of us are perfect, but that is the key. Don't let someone else do it....step up and make a difference and that is what Larry did! These guys certainly made us all ..... better people!

Sincerely
Alan S.
Cortland, NY

All we have met on occasion, years ago, you will probably not remember me, but I wish to express my condolences your loss. Larry was one of the finest in every aspect that I know and many will write of his dedication,instrument of change, leader support and many more of his giving to the fire service. I thought I would mention a thought that came to mind when I first heard of his battle with cancer. At one of the FDIC's years back, we were both on the Board of ISFSI and ended up as room mates. Many know of Larry's last minute assembly of a program to be presented and as usual that was the case that year. What amazed me was his ability to put a program back to gether early in the AM after his room mate came in late at night and sort of scatter a few slides in the dark that were arranged for the program. Needless to say everything got back in order and the show went on in Larry's usual fine presentation.
My prayers are with him and all of you.

Don D., Retired, Supervisor, NYS Academy of Fire Science & Board Member of ISFSI

As always we never really appreciate someone till that person is gone. I have read and enjoyed Larry's many articles on rural fire operations for some time and will miss that aspect in Fire & Rescue. Larry was also a big help for me, when I had questions on rural water supply operations he was very gracious in returning my emails and providing me with excellent guidance. I will miss his input and will miss having such a valuable resource for the fire service community.....

God Bless and God's Speed!

Battalion 406
Chief Al M.
Battalion 406 B-Shift
Fire Station 409

My deepest sympathies to the Davis family. I met Larry when we were both members of the ISFSI board. We shared a common bond as Air Force fire protection veterans. He shared many ideas with me over the years. It was a pleasure to know and to work with him. Rest in Peace my friend.

James R.

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