Plans to restructure the Lawrence Middle School as an upper and lower school this September include re-naming the Lawrence Middle School building. Of several suggestions, one rises above all: Re-name the Lawrence Middle School for fallen Inwood firefighter, Joseph Sanford Jr.

Joseph Sanford Jr., a lifelong Inwood resident, a 17-year veteran volunteer firefighter, and a former assistant fire chief of the Inwood Fire Department, was among more than 200 volunteer firefighters who responded to an early morning blaze at a Woodmere home on December 19th. When a section of the first floor collapsed, Joe sustained serious injuries, to which he succumbed several days later.

A hardworking man, a dedicated husband, loving father, and a friend to all, Joe left behind a wife, children, and a heroic legacy of community service and selfless bravery. His memory will forever be associated by his spirit of altruism and sense of duty… a good man who gave everything for his community, expecting nothing in return.

The Lawrence Middle School building, considered the jewel of the Lawrence School District, is known its magnificent architecture and storied history of achievement and success. Countless leaders and trend-setters spent their formative years of personal and academic development within its walls, halls, and classrooms.

To re-name the Lawrence Middle School, the Joseph Sanford Jr. School, is a unique opportunity for our community to honor a man who is deserving like no other. It is our opportunity to combine the sacred ideals of public education and public service in a way that would have made Joe proud.