By JOHN ANDERSON
On Dec. 21, 2020, Timothy R. Walsh passed away.
One year later, the positive impact he left on the community was still evident. Whether it was the Emerald Hook & Ladder company, the Wellsville Village Police Department, his work with the railroad or always being there to fill a void at Immaculate Conception, everyone was impacted.
Especially those he called friends and family.
As a result, on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021, Wellsville Village Mayor Randy Shayler, with help from Sister Alice Roach, proclaimed every Dec. 21 going forward, Timothy R. Walsh day in Wellsville.
The trucks emptied the Main Street Fire Department headquarters, except for the Emerald’s truck, and was filled with community members and the family for the proclamation.
Sister Alice opened with a prayer of thanks to our Lord for giving us the gift of Tim Walsh.
“Lord, you are well aware his life was centered around his faith, his family and the community,” Sister Alice said. “Tim’s years on the police force and the fire department and the railroad were acts of compassion and positive direction toward others.
“In his unassuming way, he taught us all things are possibly and God is who strengthens us,” she added. “Let’s us go forward following Tim’s example of faith, love of family and extending a helping hand to those in need in the days and years to come.”
Tim was named Allegany County Firefighter of the Year twice. One of the awards came after a fire on Jan. 28, 1988 during a fire just before midnight. Tim rushed into a smoke-filled home on fire on East Pearl Street and risked his own life to get residents out of the home safely. It was not the first or last time he would be called a hero.
Mayor Shayler talked about Tim’s years as a firefighter, starting in 1976 and his 42-year law enforcement career that started as a dispatcher and ended as the chief of police.
“Timothy R. Walsh generously provided his time and effort to further the strengths and impacts of Wellsville-area religious, fraternal and charitable organizations including Immaculate Conception Church, Elks Lodge #1495, Ancient Order of Hiberians, Meals on Wheels, Honor Flight and others,” Shayler said in the proclamation.
Mayor Shayler also recognized Emerald firefighter Garrett Gardner for putting the event together to recognize Walsh. He said Gardner is another reason Wellsville is in good hands for the future because of the younger generation stepping up to volunteer and give back to the community.
“I am blessed to say Tim was a great part of the Emerald’s and this tradition is carried on by his sons, Robert, Bryan, Michael and Jerome (Hart) and his brother, Shaun. He would be proud to see all of you here today,” said Gardner.
Shayler then gave the framed certificate to Tim’s wife, Margaret.
