WBRZ - Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE - The state fire marshal's office announced Tuesday that the former fire marshal who oversaw response to hurricanes Katrina and Rita passed away last week.

Henry Fry died Friday at his home in Covington, according to State Fire Marshal Butch Browning.

Fry served as state fire marshal under Governor Kathleen Blanco from 2004 until 2007. He oversaw the state's fire service response to Katrina and Rita, then the rebuilding efforts which followed.

Browning said Fry's "aggressive" plan review and fire inspection program helped quickly reconstruct hurricane-damaged buildings across the state.

"We are better today because of his passion and dedication," Browning said. "I will never forget his desire for fire safety and will always remind our personnel of his purpose."

Funeral arrangements are set for March 14 at Jesuit High School in New Orleans. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. and a Catholic Mass at 2 p.m.