Our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Walt Harris. The Detroit firefighter was killed in the line of duty at a house fire on November 15th, 2008. He was stationed just south of Hamtramck at Detroit Engine Company #23.

From the Detroit Free Press:
Detroit firefighter. Husband. Father of six. Minister. Motorcyclist. Real estate agent. Mentor. Mediator. Engine-house cook.

Walter Harris was a busy man, and his family and friends say those descriptions only begin to capture someone they remember wrapping his huge arms around them in loving hugs, shaking with loud belly laughs and asking, before meals: “You mind if we say grace?”

His son, James Hill Harris, also a Detroit firefighter, said his father was “big, strong, a protector. He showed me what a real man is.”

Harris, 37, died early Saturday morning when a roof collapsed on him during a fire in a vacant house on Detroit’s east side. Officials said the blaze was deliberately set. Four other firefighters were treated and released at Receiving Hospital.

Harris was a 17-year DFD veteran who had spent his entire career in the 109-year-old station on E. Grand Boulevard west of Mt. Elliott that houses Rescue Squad 3 and Engine Co. 23. He was to have been promoted to sergeant in the coming weeks.

From Michigan Professional Fire Fighters:
We regret to inform you of the death of
Walter P. Harris
Senior Firefighter
Engine 23, 6th Battalion

(Active)
Lived: 9/11/70 to 11/15/2008
Served: 3/11/1991 to 11/15/2008

Died in the line of duty.

Visitation:
Community Christian Fellowship
8131 E. Outer Dr.
Detroit, MI. 48213
Thursday, November, 20, 2008; 4 to 9 pm.

Service:
Second Ebenezer Church
14601 Dequindre St.
Detroit, MI. 48212
Friday, November 21, 2008; 10:00 am.