Larry Slagle and great-grandson, John.

Larry “Nerp” Slagle, 80, had a lifelong dedication to fire services, but his family said the love, energy, compassion and helpfulness he shared with others will be even more sorely missed.

“My biggest sorrow is for people who don't have someone like my Dad in their life,” said he grieving daughter, Lori Slagle Roxbury. “Everyone should try to be a Nerp to someone.”

Slagle, who died on Thursday, was instrumental in improving emergency and fire services in Butler County and beyond over the decades.

He and the late Butler Fire Department Chief, George Smith, created the Public Safety Training Center at Butler County Community College.

BC3 spokesman Bill Foley said last year, 154 classes were held and 1,488 students trained in industrial safety at the facility. He said 486 classes were held and 9,361 students trained in fire and hazardous materials last year.

“It is estimated that 200,000 people have trained at BC3 since Slagle and Smith's programs began,” Foley said.

For more about the life of Larry “Nerp” Slagle, read the Butler Eagle.