Lieutenant Harding Welsh

AGE:
50ish

HEIGHT:
6'3"

WEIGHT:
230 lbs.

HAIR:
Brown

EYES:
Blue

YEARS ON FORCE:
Not mentioned, but probably joined the force in his early twenties and has been there ever since.

PERSONAL PROFILE:
In charge of the Violent Crimes section, he is perplexed by but resigned to Fraser's presence at the precinct. He tries to keep control over the men under his command and, in particular, Ray Vecchio, who seems to get into more trouble than most. Now that Ray is absent, he must contend with Stanley Raymond Kowalski, who appears to be just as if not more exasperating than his predecessor. In fact, Welsh once stated quite clearly that there are times when he wouldn't mind shooting Kowalski. (Seeing is Believing)

Although he was called Captain Walsh in the Pilot movie, he is definitely Lt. Welsh throughout the series.

FAMILY:
A wife was mentioned in They Eat Horses, Don't They?", but then... see Love Life below. He has a brother, Wilson, who is the sheriff in the small town of Willison. Their father is alive, and seems to be a life-time alcoholic. (Doctor Longball)

LOVE LIFE:
He dated Dr. Esther Pearson at one point (Chicago Holiday), and had eyes for new superior, Commander Sherry O'Neill, later on.

FRIENDS:
None mentioned.

RELIGION:
None mentioned.

HOME:
None mentioned.

INJURIES:

• He was bitten on the belly by a ... pig. No explanation given! This was only mentioned, not shown. (Asylum)
• He had his right thumb all bandaged up; no explanation given. (Dead Guy Running)
• Broke his right foot by kicking a wastebasket. (Doctor Longball)

ATTIRE:
Regular business suits.

MISCELLANEOUS:

• Wears reading glasses.
• Gruff, no-nonsense, but has adapted to Fraser being around the station.
• Likes to eat deli spreads (all by himself!). (They Eat Horses, Don't They?)
• Likes decaffinated cappachino. (Man Who Knew Too Little)
• Flustered around female bosses. (Witness)
• Saw the Musical Ride as a kid; it 'haunted' him. (All the Queen's Horses)

For information on the actor who portrays this character, please see the Beau Starr page.