{"id":41071,"date":"2025-11-21T22:16:15","date_gmt":"2025-11-21T22:16:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/41071\/"},"modified":"2025-11-21T22:16:15","modified_gmt":"2025-11-21T22:16:15","slug":"scranton-renames-north-scranton-mini-park-for-late-firefighter-tony-walsh","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/41071\/","title":{"rendered":"Scranton renames North Scranton Mini Park for late firefighter Tony Walsh"},"content":{"rendered":"

SCRANTON \u2014 The city on Friday formally renamed the North Scranton Mini Park at 1800 Wayne Ave. for the late, retired Scranton firefighter Anthony \u201cTony\u201d Walsh, who died in 2022.<\/p>\n

The park, which abuts the rear of the Scranton Fire Department\u2019s Engine 8 station, had a renovation completed in December 2023. The upgrade included installation of a fire engine playset as an homage to the city\u2019s firefighters.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The Scranton Fire Department honor guard was on hand Friday, Nov. 21, at the renaming of the North Scranton Mini Park on Wayne Avenue. The park was renamed for the late, retired Scranton firefighter Anthony \u201cTony\u201d Walsh, who died in 2022. The park abuts the rear of the Scranton Fire Department\u2019s Engine 8 station. (CHAD SEBRING\/STAFF PHOTO)\n<\/p>\n

\"Rick<\/p>\n

Rick Lidle addresses a crowd at the renaming of the North Scranton Mini Park on Wayne Avenue on Friday, Nov. 21. The park was renamed for the late, retired Scranton firefighter Anthony \u201cTony\u201d Walsh, who died in 2022. The park abuts the rear of the Scranton Fire Department\u2019s Engine 8 station. Walsh was Lidle\u2019s stepfather. (CHAD SEBRING\/STAFF PHOTO)\n<\/p>\n

\"Scranton<\/p>\n

Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti addresses a crowd at the renaming of the North Scranton Mini Park on Wayne Avenue on Friday, Nov. 21. The site was renamed for the late, retired Scranton firefighter Anthony \u201cTony\u201d Walsh, who died in 2022. The park abuts the rear of the Scranton Fire Department\u2019s Engine 8 station. (CHAD SEBRING\/STAFF PHOTO)\n<\/p>\n

\"Cathy<\/p>\n

Cathy Gavin addresses attendees at the newly renamed Tony Walsh Park in Scranton on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. Gavin is Walsh\u2019s sister. Formerly the North Scranton Mini Park, the renamed Wayne Avenue site honors the late, retired Scranton firefighter Anthony \u201cTony\u201d Walsh, who died in 2022. The park abuts the rear of the Scranton Fire Department\u2019s Engine 8 station. (CHAD SEBRING\/STAFF PHOTO)\n<\/p>\n

\"Scranton<\/p>\n

Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti leads the Pledge of Allegiance at the renaming of the North Scranton Mini Park on Wayne Avenue on Friday, Nov. 21. The park was renamed to honor the late, retired Scranton firefighter Anthony \u201cTony\u201d Walsh, who died in 2022. The park abuts the rear of the Scranton Fire Department\u2019s Engine 8 station. (CHAD SEBRING\/STAFF PHOTO)\n<\/p>\n

Show Caption<\/p>\n

1 of 5<\/p>\n

The Scranton Fire Department honor guard was on hand Friday, Nov. 21, at the renaming of the North Scranton Mini Park on Wayne Avenue. The park was renamed for the late, retired Scranton firefighter Anthony \u201cTony\u201d Walsh, who died in 2022. The park abuts the rear of the Scranton Fire Department\u2019s Engine 8 station. (CHAD SEBRING\/STAFF PHOTO)\n<\/p>\n

Expand<\/a><\/p>\n

In July, Scranton City Council adopted a resolution from Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti to rename North Scranton Mini Park as \u201cTony Walsh Park,\u201d in honor of Walsh.<\/p>\n

\"Walsh\"Walsh<\/p>\n

According to the resolution:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Walsh was a lifetime resident of the city who \u201cfaithfully served\u201d in the Fire Department for many years and was one of the original 16 members of Rescue Company 1 that provides fire suppression and technical rescue services.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Walsh also was a proud Army veteran, who served as a military policeman during the Vietnam War.<\/p>\n

\u2022 For over 45 years, Walsh also worked loyally alongside his sisters and wife, Sandra, at Stirna\u2019s Restaurant, a family-run, North Scranton institution.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Affectionately known as \u201cChampagne\u201d Tony Walsh, he also was a beloved and appreciated member of the Scranton community, as partially evidenced by the dedication of the 2024 Scranton St. Patrick\u2019s Parade to his memory.<\/p>\n

Walsh\u2019s obituary said he was an avid sports fan who enjoyed golf and Penn State football, and he enjoyed attending Nittany Lions games while his grandson, Jake, was a student. And when it came to holidays, Walsh knew how to celebrate and always took great pride in his Halloween decorations and hosted Christmas parties for years with family and firefighter friends. Walsh also had a special bond with his sisters and brother and took great pride in the fact that he was a Walsh.<\/p>\n

A crowd of about 100 people attended Friday\u2019s ceremony at the park that included an unveiling of a new \u201cTony Walsh Park\u201d sign, which also says, \u201cDedicated to Tony Walsh, Scranton Firefighter, Original Member of Rescue Co. 1, Vietnam Veteran and North Scranton Resident.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTony\u2019s life exemplified service, and it\u2019s fitting that we dedicate this space, adjacent to Engine 8 and so close to Stirna\u2019s Restaurant where his family\u2019s business still operates, in his memory,\u201d Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti said.<\/p>\n

Walsh was a member of the Scranton Fire Department for 25 years.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had the pleasure of working with Tony for a short time early on in my career,\u201d Scranton Fire Chief John Judge said. \u201cWhat I remember most about him was his magnetic personality, passion for our profession, and that perfect mustache befitting a firefighter from his era. I can\u2019t think of a more fitting tribute than dedicating this park to his memory. His love for the City and the Scranton Fire Department was only overshadowed by his love for his family.\u201d<\/p>\n

Walsh\u2019s sister, Cathy Gavin, said of the park being named for her brother, \u201cHe would be overwhelmed to think they would do this, without a doubt. I know he\u2019s crying right now up in heaven. But Tony Walsh never leaves us. There\u2019s such a history, it\u2019s wonderful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe would be honored, totally honored,\u201d Walsh\u2019s stepson, Rick \u201cNuppy\u201d Lidle, also said. \u201cThis is a perfect setting to honor Tony. We\u2019ll remember him forever.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Scranton<\/p>\n

Scranton on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 formally renamed the North Scranton Mini Park at 1800 Wayne Ave. for the late, retired Scranton firefighter Anthony \u201cTony\u201d Walsh, who died in 2022. (JIM LOCKWOOD \/ STAFF PHOTO)\n<\/p>\n

\"Scranton<\/p>\n

Scranton on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 formally renamed the North Scranton Mini Park at 1800 Wayne Ave. for the late, retired Scranton firefighter Anthony \u201cTony\u201d Walsh, who died in 2022. Unveiling a new sign are, from left, Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti; Walsh\u2019s granddaughter, Lexi Walsh; and Walsh\u2019s sister, Cathy Gavin. (JIM LOCKWOOD \/ STAFF PHOTO)\n<\/p>\n

\"Scranton<\/p>\n

Scranton on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 formally renamed the North Scranton Mini Park at 1800 Wayne Ave. for the late, retired Scranton firefighter Anthony \u201cTony\u201d Walsh, who died in 2022. Unveiling a new sign are, from left, Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti; Walsh\u2019s granddaughter, Lexi Walsh; and Walsh\u2019s sister, Cathy Gavin. (JIM LOCKWOOD \/ STAFF PHOTO)\n<\/p>\n

\"Scranton<\/p>\n

Scranton is renaming the North Scranton Mini Park at 1800 Wayne Ave. for the late, retired Scranton Firefighter Anthony \u201cTony\u201d Walsh, who died in 2022. The park, which abuts the rear of the Scranton Fire Department\u2019s Engine 8 station, had an overhaul completed in Dec. 2023 that included a kiddie-sized fire engine playset apparatus because of the close proximity of the Engine 8 station. Photo taken Tuesday, July 8, 2025. (JIM LOCKWOOD \/ STAFF PHOTO)\n<\/p>\n

\"Scranton<\/p>\n

Scranton is renaming the North Scranton Mini Park at 1800 Wayne Ave. for the late, retired Scranton Firefighter Anthony \u201cTony\u201d Walsh, who died in 2022. The park, which abuts the rear of the Scranton Fire Department\u2019s Engine 8 station, had an overhaul completed in Dec. 2023 that included a kiddie-sized fire engine playset apparatus because of the close proximity of the Engine 8 station. Photo taken Tuesday, July 8, 2025. (JIM LOCKWOOD \/ STAFF PHOTO)\n<\/p>\n

Show Caption<\/p>\n

1 of 5<\/p>\n

Scranton on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 formally renamed the North Scranton Mini Park at 1800 Wayne Ave. for the late, retired Scranton firefighter Anthony \u201cTony\u201d Walsh, who died in 2022. (JIM LOCKWOOD \/ STAFF PHOTO)\n<\/p>\n

Expand<\/a>
\n\"Scranton<\/p>\n

Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti leads the Pledge of Allegiance at the renaming of the North Scranton Mini Park on Wayne Avenue on Friday, Nov. 21. The park was renamed to honor the late, retired Scranton firefighter Anthony \u201cTony\u201d Walsh, who died in 2022. The park abuts the rear of the Scranton Fire Department\u2019s Engine 8 station. (CHAD SEBRING\/STAFF PHOTO)\n<\/p>\n

\"Scranton<\/p>\n

Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti addresses a crowd at the renaming of the North Scranton Mini Park on Wayne Avenue on Friday, Nov. 21. The site was renamed for the late, retired Scranton firefighter Anthony \u201cTony\u201d Walsh, who died in 2022. The park abuts the rear of the Scranton Fire Department\u2019s Engine 8 station. (CHAD SEBRING\/STAFF PHOTO)\n<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The Scranton Fire Department honor guard was on hand Friday, Nov. 21, at the renaming of the North Scranton Mini Park on Wayne Avenue. The park was renamed for the late, retired Scranton firefighter Anthony \u201cTony\u201d Walsh, who died in 2022. The park abuts the rear of the Scranton Fire Department\u2019s Engine 8 station. (CHAD SEBRING\/STAFF PHOTO)\n<\/p>\n

\"Rick<\/p>\n

Rick Lidle addresses a crowd at the renaming of the North Scranton Mini Park on Wayne Avenue on Friday, Nov. 21. The park was renamed for the late, retired Scranton firefighter Anthony \u201cTony\u201d Walsh, who died in 2022. The park abuts the rear of the Scranton Fire Department\u2019s Engine 8 station. Walsh was Lidle\u2019s stepfather. (CHAD SEBRING\/STAFF PHOTO)\n<\/p>\n

Show Caption<\/p>\n

1 of 4<\/p>\n

Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti leads the Pledge of Allegiance at the renaming of the North Scranton Mini Park on Wayne Avenue on Friday, Nov. 21. The park was renamed to honor the late, retired Scranton firefighter Anthony \u201cTony\u201d Walsh, who died in 2022. The park abuts the rear of the Scranton Fire Department\u2019s Engine 8 station. (CHAD SEBRING\/STAFF PHOTO)\n<\/p>\n

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