Mayor Craig A. Moe expressed his sincere sympathy upon learning of the death of Lawrence R. Bird, Chair, City of Laurel Employee Pension Board. Mr. Bird passed away on Saturday, January 2, 2010.

     Mayor Moe praised Mr. Bird for his extensive service to the City of Laurel.  Mr. Bird served for 18 years on the City of Laurel Planning Commission from October, 1970 through April, 1988, concluding his last term thereon as its Chair.   In 1995, Mr. Bird was appointed to the City of Laurel Employee Pension Board, serving as its Chair until the time of his death.

      As both a member and Chair of the Planning Commission, Mr. Bird oversaw the land use planning for Laurel Lakes, which at that time was a major endeavor for the City of Laurel.  In his role as Chair of the Pension Board, Mr. Bird provided cautious and conservative leadership, which was an important strength during this chaotic economy.

      Mayor Moe praised Mr. Bird for his dedication to the City he called home; and especially for his efforts to set high standards for land use in the City of Laurel to make it a better place to live, and for his dedication to the City’s employees to ensure the safekeeping of their pension dollars.  He said his passing is a great loss to the City, and that he will be very much missed.    In honor of his service to the City, Mayor Moe has ordered the City flag to be placed at half-mast until Monday, January 11, 2010. 

For Immediate Release
January 5, 2010
Contact:   James Collins, Public Information Officer
               301-725-5300, ext. 244
                 E-Mail: [email protected]