Irvin J. Lorich, past chief of Hutchinson Hose Co.

Lorich

of Hutchinson Irvin J. Lorich, 89, a past chief and treasurer of the Hutchinson Hose Company in Williamsville, died Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2006.

He joined Hutchinson Hose in June 1948, serving more than 50 years on the active rolls. The annual President's Award was renamed in his honor in 1999.

Mr. Lorich's family came to the United States from the Alsace-Lorraine region of Europe more than 150 years ago. His father, Louis F. Lorich, was the last operating blacksmith in Amherst.

Mr. Lorich graduated from SS. Peter and Paul School, Bishop Neumann High School and Buffalo State Teachers College. During World War II, he earned the rank of Army captain, training bombardiers and navigators who flew on legendary aircraft including the B-17, B-24 and B-29.

After the war, he worked for the Navy Department and the Department of Defense. He retired in 1979.

The fire department was part of Mr. Lorich's life from the days of his youth. His father was a Williamsville firefighter, and members encouraged him to become involved as well.

On the first day of his active membership, firefighters were called to a blaze at the Taylor Property on Sheridan Drive near the Park Country Club. Many horses perished but others were led to safety as flames swept through several buildings on the grounds.

Mr. Lorich served as chief of Hutchinson Hose from 1964-68, and commanded one of the biggest fires in local history.

The popular Glen Casino, adjacent to Ellicott Creek at the present location of Glen Park, was destroyed on Sept. 23, 1968.

In all, more than 200 firefighters and 25 pieces of apparatus were called in as part of a massive mutual aid effort. But while the Casino was lost, the adjacent Williamsville Water Mill and Glenside Apartments were preserved.

Mr. Lorich served as village fire inspector from 1965-69, a member of the village public safety committee, and a village trustee from 1972-74.

He was one of the founders of the Western New York Firemen's Memorial Exhibit Center and the Amherst Past Fire Chiefs Association.

Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Josephine Heim Lorich; a daughter, Louise Dochstader; and a sister, Inez Zimmerman.

A Mass of Christian Burial was offered Saturday in SS. Peter and Paul Church after prayers in Beach-Tuyn Funeral Home.