Pittsburgh Battalion Chief Dies While Fighting Fire

PITTSBURGH, PA — Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire Battalion Chief John P. Walsh died Wednesday

night while in command of a structure fire in the city's East Hills section.

According to the firefighters union, Walsh, 60, died after suffering a medical emergency at the scene of the fire on the 700 block of Wilkinsburg Avenue.

"His unwavering passion for the job, his courageous service, and his remarkable leadership over 37 dedicated years will never be forgotten," a union social media post stated. "Chief Walsh embodied the very best of what it means to serve and protect."

Walsh had 37 years of firefighting experience and worked out of Station 8 in East Liberty.

"John Walsh was a stabilizing force in the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire," Fire Chief Daryl Jones said. "He was a master tactician on the fire ground and possessed a commanding presence, which generated confidence and respect from all those under his command. He will be greatly missed."

Walsh is survived by his wife Mary; his mother; and his father, himself a retired battalion chief with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire.

Details on service arrangements will be announced at a later time.