Walton, N.Y. — July 15 — After retiring from the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, honorary member and former chief Erwin LaTourette was welcomed home by the Department Walton Fire Department, located at 59 West St. To honor LaTourette's years of service, firefighters and family members met him at the village's boundary and walked him home.

He supported fire service, emergency response, and firefighter training programs throughout New York while serving in a number of leadership roles for the state, including Branch Chief. After many years of devoted public service, the department wished him a well-earned retirement and acknowledged his enduring contributions to the local and state fire services.