The Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department regrets to announce the passing of Life Member Laurence A. Watson, Jr.
A lifelong resident of Hyattsville, “Junior” — as he was affectionately known around the firehouse — passed away on January 4th at the age of 84. He was the loving husband of the late Betty Watson and uncle to Diane and Denise.
Junior joined the U.S. Navy in 1948 and served during the Korean War until his discharge in 1953, later working as a type setter for the Washington Star newspaper. When the Star closed, he went to work The Washington Times until his retirement.
Junior lived just a block from the firehouse and followed his father, Laurence “Pop” A. Watson Sr., to the HVFD. His father was a very active volunteer for many years and also served as a career City of Hyattsville firefighter and as Treasurer for the HVFD for a number of years.
“He was one of the few drivers who could really ‘wheel’ the old 1941 American LaFrance quint around,” Chief Emeritus Donald “Doc” Moltrup said. “Junior never held any rank but was always a key driver for the HVFD.”
Junior remained active with the HVFD well after his “riding” years and could be found stopping by the firehouse on meeting nights and for other special events until recently.
Services will be held at a later date and will be announced as appropriate.
The family requests that donations be made in his honor to the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department.
