01/17/2026
We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of retired Chief Larry Walsh.
“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,” said Chief Lawrence Weathers. “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.”
Larry E. Walsh was appointed Chief of Police under Mayor Scotty Baesler on February 1, 1990. Prior to being appointed Chief, 43-year-old Walsh was the Commander of the Traffic Department and the Emergency Response Unit.
Walsh, a Campbellsville native, had lost his father to cancer when he was 14 and had to help raise his younger brother and sister. Three years after his father’s death, he joined the Air Force and later served three years on the elite guard at the Strategic Air Command. Walsh received a Bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement and Traffic Safety and his Master’s degree in Police Administration from Eastern Kentucky University.
Walsh joined the Lexington Police Department in 1967. His first promotion occurred in 1974 when he was made Sergeant, and then Lieutenant in 1978. He served as a Captain from 1984 until he became Chief. He received further education within the department by attending Northwestern University, and he moved his family to Chicago for 10 months in 1975. He also attended the F.B.I. National Academy in Washington, D.C.
During his career, he was twice named Officer of the Year, in 1977 and 1989. Walsh had been the leader of the Emergency Response Unit since its inception in 1982. Chief Walsh retired from the Lexington Police Department on August 13, 2001.
We want to thank him for his dedication and service. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
