Janesville fire chief to retire in 2010
Photo 
Larry Grorud
JANESVILLE — Janesville Fire Chief Larry Grorud has announced that he will retire as chief at the end of 2010.
Grorud is the longest-serving fire chief in Janesville, Manager Eric Levitt noted in announcing the impending retirement to city council members.
Grorud recently completed a term as president of the International Fire Chiefs Association.
Grorud gave the city a year's notice so it would have ample time to hire a new fire chief.
"I thought it was the decent thing to do," Grorud said. "The city's been great to me. I've had a super career."
Grorud has been fire chief more than 20 years, becoming chief in November 1989. He joined the department in April 1974 and was a member of one of the first teams of firefighters-paramedics to hit the streets in 1975. He was named deputy in 1984.
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Jan 3, 2010 at 12:09 p.m.
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JohnDoe, LOL, you're right again.... His successor! I guess it's proof I need to keep out of the commenting when I'm tired!
Jan 3, 2010 at 7:10 a.m.
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It would be difficult for people outside of the fire service to understand, or fully comprehend, what Chief Grorud has done as the Janesville Fire Chief, but, he rose through the hierarchy of the International Association of Fire Chiefs to become the President. This is no small feat! It came about from hard work in committees where he earned the trust and admiration of other fire chiefs on a national basis. A chief from a small town makes big! As president of the IAFC he gave speeches around the world promoting fire safety, smoke alarms, fire sprinkler systems, and firefighter safety. And, none of it was for personal gain. Citizens of Janesville need to know here is a true public servant doing his job and making our city a great place to live. We wish you all the best in retirement Larry!
Jan 2, 2010 at 11:14 p.m.
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prevention...any idea who his "predecessor" is gonna be?
Jan 2, 2010 at 10:24 p.m.
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I'm a bit partial to firefighters and EMTs as I've had quite a number of family members and friends serve their respective communities. It's a tough job that us "commoners" can't really understand unless we've served in those roles. I just know what it's like to see an uncle and two cousins run out the door of family functions when the scanner would go off!
PositiveJanesville is accurate... a Chief like this is hard to follow!
Jan 1, 2010 at 6:40 p.m.
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Have a long happy and healthy retirement Larry,you have certainly earned it.Enjoy enjoy enjoy!!!!
Jan 1, 2010 at 2:03 p.m.
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Not to sound the alarm, but this is a hot story...
Jan 1, 2010 at 7:46 a.m.
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Chief,
You leave huge shoes to fill! Thank you for your great leadership and for developing a great fire department! You will be missed!
Dec 31, 2009 at 9:07 p.m.
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Good public servant and a nice guy, too. Larry, sorry to see you leave, but you've earned a good retirement.
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