Former Macon-Bibb fire prevention chief Larry Smallwood dies at 77
Larry Eugene Smallwood served the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department for 44 years before retiring as fire prevention chief.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Retired Macon-Bibb County Fire Department Fire Prevention Chief Larry Eugene Smallwood, who spent more than four decades in the fire service protecting residents through inspections, code enforcement and safety education, died Sunday at the age of 77, according to his obituary and the fire department.
Smallwood served the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department for 44 years before retiring in 2015 as Fire Prevention Chief, according to the obituary. During his career, he played a major role in fire prevention and life safety education.
In a Facebook post Monday, the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department said Smallwood dedicated more than 40 years to the fire service and the citizens of Macon-Bibb County.
“Chief Smallwood dedicated more than 40 years of service to the fire service and to the citizens of Macon-Bibb County before retiring in 2015,” the post said. “Throughout his career, he played a major role in fire prevention and life safety education, helping protect countless lives through inspections, code enforcement, and community outreach.”
The department described Smallwood as a mentor and advocate for fire safety within the community.
“Chief Smallwood was known by many as a mentor, leader, and passionate advocate for fire safety,” the post said. “His knowledge of the department’s history and his commitment to public safety left a lasting impact on generations of firefighters and the community we serve.”
According to the obituary, Smallwood was born in Macon and graduated from Lanier High School in 1968. He was also a member of Northminster Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon.
His career included several recognitions, including a 1991 Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful Cherry Blossom Festival award, a 2011 Macon Exchange Club award and serving as president of the Fire Inspectors in 2018. He was also named the state Fire Inspector in 2018 by Governor Brian Kemp, according to the obituary.
Smallwood also served as the fire marshal for the Mercer University athletic department.
Visitation will be held Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Snow’s @ Macon Memorial Park on Mercer University Drive. A celebration of life service is scheduled for Friday at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, with burial to follow in Macon Memorial Park Cemetery, according to the obituary.
