Walter D. Lanson

FITCHBURG -- Fitchburg Police Lt. Walter D. Lanson, 63, of Fitchburg, died Thursday, Dec. 16, in his home, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer.

He was born Nov. 13, 1941, in Fitchburg, the son of the late Veikko W. and Gabrielle (Duval) Lanson. Upon graduation from the former Fitchburg Vocational School in 1961, he entered the United States Marine Corps and served 2 tours of duty in Vietnam between 1961 and 1970. During his service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal with one star, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, the Vietnam Service Medal with five stars, the Navy Unit Commendation, the Combat Action Ribbon and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm.

After his military service, Lt. Lanson was employed by various local companies, including Fitchburg Yarn Co., Russell Cable Co. and the Fitchburg Foundry.

In 1977, after graduating from the police academy, Lanson was sworn in as a Fitchburg police officer. Throughout his career, his passion was firearms training for the department. He received his bachelor’s degree in law enforcement from Anna Maria College in Worcester in 1996, and was a certified NRA instructor and state-certified and MCJTC-certified in Smith & Wesson Armor.

Lt. Lanson was a permanent patrol officer in Fitchburg from 1977 to 1999. He then was promoted to provisional sergeant and, in 1999, to permanent sergeant. On Jan. 19, 2004 he was promoted to acting lieutenant.

He was a member of the Leominster Sportsman’s Club.

Lt. Lanson is survived by his two daughters, Rachael M. and Rebecca P. Lanson, both at home, their mother, Paula Lanson; a stepdaughter, Rayna Ambrose of San Diego, Calif., and her son; one sister, Linda, wife of Edward Norton of Fitchburg; two nieces and one nephew.

LANSON -- On Dec. 16, Fitchburg Police Lt. Walter D. Lanson, 63, of Fitchburg. A funeral with military honors will be held Monday, Dec. 20, at noon in Brandon Funeral Home, at 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg. The Rev. John Dwyer will officiate. A private will be held at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon. Calling hours are Monday, Dec. 20, from 9 a.m. to noon, in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lanson Children’s Trust Fund, c/o Fitchburg Municipal Employees Federal Credit Union, 65 North St., Fitchburg, MA 01420.