LAWRENCE WALTER BUNKOWSKI was born in Camden, New Jersey on April 22, 1914 to Julian Clement "Clarence" Bunkowski and his wife Bella. He was named after his paternal grandfather. When his father registered for the draft in June of 1917, the family lived at 1264 Everett Street. Besides Lawrence there was a younger sister, Henrietta. Julian Clement Bunkowski also went by the name of Clarence Bunker. By 1924 he was working as a Camden police officer and by 1928 was a detective. Clarence Bunker's brother Joseph J. Bunkowski lived at 1268 Everett and also served with the Camden Police Department. The family was still at the Everett Street address in April of 1930; they maintained a presence at that address as late as the fall of 1969.

Lawrence Bunkowski was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on April 12, 1942 and reported for duty four days later. He and his wife Tillie then lived at 1107 Kaighn Avenue, a few doors away from Engine Company 7. They later moved to 1402 Park Boulevard in Parkside.

Lawrence Bunkowski had served the City of Camden for over 24 years when he retired from the Fire Department on October 4, 1968. He passed away in November of 1974. His wife later lived in Woodbury, New Jersey. She joined her husband on June 25, 1988.