Walter "Wally" Byers

Wally Byers, a graduate of Kenmore East High School, has served with the Brighton Fire Company since 1968. Wally has served many positions in the fire department, but one of his most important responsibilities through the years has been teaching fire safety to countless children in the Ken-Ton community. Four schools are located within the Brighton fire district including Kenmore East, Hoover Middle, Hoover Elementary, and Edison, as well as many pre-school and daycare programs. For all of these locations, Wally is the fire department’s go-to person to teach fire prevention and safety. He takes this responsibility extremely seriously. Wally is known for his excitement, positive attitude, and ability to engage students. He runs a program that enables a child from each elementary school in the fire district to win a ride to school on a fire truck, giving these lucky students an experience they will never forget. He believes passionately in the importance of teaching children fire safety, not just at school but home as well. Wally regularly teaches families how important it is for children to know exactly what to do when there is smoke, and to practice fire drills at home just as students practice fire drills in school. Wally’s two daughters, who graduated from Ken-Ton Schools, both work for the district, and Wally is a familiar face helping in their classrooms. Even after more than 50 years, Wally remains one of Brighton Fire Company’s top responders. Not only can the department always count on Wally, but so can our schools, families and community.