Larry Gordon ('71)
![Larry Gordon]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1706812807/beachwoodschoolsorg/fyfvmpa3n4mqcccxgnhu/alumnispotlight.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1706812807/beachwoodschoolsorg/fyfvmpa3n4mqcccxgnhu/alumnispotlight.jpg","width":436}])
“Service before self.” Alumnus Larry Gordon (Class of ‘71) exemplifies this code, having served for more than forty years as a courageous first responder and firefighter. Larry continues to answer the call of duty in retirement as a member of the Beachwood Civil Service Commission and community volunteer.
After graduating from Beachwood High School, Larry began his career working for a Cleveland-based emergency ambulance service. Between shifts, he took night courses in electrical engineering at Cuyahoga Community College and Lakeland Community College. In 1973, Larry accepted a position as a part-time firefighter with the Willoughby Hills Fire Department, balancing this role with his college coursework and full-time position with the ambulance service. “I liked the physical and mental challenge of responding to emergency calls of the unknown since every call is different from the next,” said Larry.
It was at the Willoughby Hills fire station where Larry discovered his life’s calling. “It didn’t take long for me to realize that my true passion is in helping someone during one of the toughest days of their lives, whether it be a medical emergency or protecting their property from fire or a natural disaster,” he said.
Larry changed gears and began the rigorous training to become a career firefighter. He graduated from paramedic school in 1977 and went on to obtain Ohio firefighter level-2 certification in 1979. The 26-year-old completed his civil service exam for the City of Pepper Pike as one of the top scorers, landing one of two coveted spots as a firefighter/paramedic for the Pepper Pike Fire Department. “Competition was extremely tough during that time since the unemployment rate was very high,” said Larry.
In 1984, Larry received his state teaching certification. On his off-shift days from the fire department, he enjoyed teaching new recruits at the Fire Training Academy located on the western campus of Cuyahoga Community College. Larry was appointed in 1997 to the Ohio Department of Public Safety subcommittee for firefighter and fire safety inspector training, which established training standards for Ohio firefighters and fire safety inspectors.
Larry retired in 2012 and enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife Rene (Class of ‘73) and two grown daughters. He stays active by exercising at the gym seven days a week. Larry also volunteers weekly at the Western Reserve Fire Museum and Education Center, where he serves on the Board of Directors.
Larry’s words of wisdom to current students? “Choose a career that will fulfill your personal interest and goals,” he said. “Don’t be influenced by people trying to steer you into a career that they want you to do. Do what’s in your heart.”