Lawrence J. Thompson, known to most as Larry, truly embraced life. He was always generous, teaching his children and grandchildren the importance of empathy and compassion, believing that life’s value lay not in material possessions but in the connections, we share with family and friends.
Larry was born on November 26, 1959, in Rochester, New York. He overcame many challenges he faced in young adulthood and pursued a career as an arborist. In 1985, his career brought him to Ballston Spa, New York, where he started his family. Following the birth of his first daughter, Larry recognized the need for significant change in his life. In 1990, he made the decision to get sober. Shortly after, Larry and his family began attending church, where he became a trustee. After his second daughter was born in 1993, Larry joined the Eagle Matt Lee Volunteer Fire Department and quickly developed a passion for firefighting.

It was clear that Larry was not only passionate about firefighting but also highly skilled at it. He enjoyed attending drills, emergency calls, and training sessions. Beyond that, he took great pleasure in cooking pancake breakfasts and chicken BBQs, as well as shopping for families that the fire department supported during Christmas. His dedication earned him several awards over the years, including the President’s Award and the Captain’s Award.

After several years, Larry decided to seek additional training. On September 18, 1997, he became a member of the Capital District Urban Search and Rescue Team in Albany, New York (NYRRT-1). On September 11, 2001, Larry received a life-changing call. Without hesitation, he packed his bag and was deployed from Albany with his team that very day. For the following two weeks, he dedicated himself to search and rescue work at Ground Zero, working tirelessly in rotating shifts.

Although he tried to resume his local volunteer work after returning home, he was only able to continue for a year or two. The PTSD from his time at Ground Zero proved too overwhelming for him.

Once his children were grown, he set out on his motorcycle to travel the coast and enjoy a simpler life. Regrettably, his consistent exposure to toxins at Ground Zero ultimately led to his death on July 11, 2023. He spent the final months of his life in his daughter’s home, surrounded by his children, Emily (Eric) and Jodi (Joshua); grandchildren, Lucas, Madeline, and Colton; friends, family, and his beloved dog, Lilly, experiencing the comfort of those he cherished most.