On July 11, 2019, Battalion Chief Lawrence Goldberg of Baltimore, Maryland, lost his long and courageous battle to occupational colorectal cancer at age 50.

Born in Baltimore in 1969, Larry graduated from high school and went on to attend Wheeling Jesuit College before deciding his passion lay in fire and emergency services. Larry began his fire service career in August 1988 with the Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company. Through leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to helping others, he rose through the ranks to become the highest-ranking officer of the Pikesville VFC. In 1991, he joined the Baltimore City Fire Department as a paramedic in his first paid position. Through hard work and determination, he wore many helmets during his 30-year career in both career and volunteer fire service, advancing to the role of battalion chief for the Baltimore City Fire Department in 2011.

Our son, Zachary, followed in his dad’s footsteps to join both the Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company and the Baltimore City Fire Department. His dad was so proud of him for becoming a FF/EMT before graduating high school.

In addition to his work in the field, Chief Goldberg devoted more than 25 years to teaching with the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, where he trained and mentored generations of firefighters and emergency responders. Teaching was truly his first love, and he took great pride in sharing his knowledge, experience, and deep passion for the fire service with others. Larry cherished every aspect of his career—the camaraderie of the firehouse, the challenge of fighting fires, the responsibility of saving lives, and the opportunity to help people during the most difficult moments of their lives.

Throughout his distinguished career he received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company Firefighter of the Year Award, the Jack C. Zoppo Award of Valor, and the J. Donald Mooney Training Award in recognition of his many contributions to firefighter training and instruction. In honor of his extraordinary service and lasting impact on the fire service community, Baltimore County officially proclaimed July 2 as “Lawrence Goldberg Day.”

Larry was a devoted husband of 22 years to Deborah, adoring father to two beautiful children, Micaela and Zachary, a son, brother, and friend. He will be remembered for his generosity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the fire service. His legacy of service, mentorship, and compassion will live on in the many lives he touched throughout his career and far beyond.

May his smile and laugh never be forgotten.