Obituary of Thomas P. Canzanella

Thomas P. Canzanella, Deputy Chief of the Fourth Platoon, City of Hackensack Fire Department, of Hazlet, formerly of Hackensack, died on Tuesday, June 12, 2007, at the age of 50 years. Born on January 1, 1957, Tom was appointed as a firefighter on June 22, 1981 and was a tireless advocate for fire fighters' safety from his earliest days as an officer in the International Association of Fire Fighters, a union organization for professional fire fighters. He served as President of both the Hackensack Uniformed Fire Officers Association (Local 3172) and the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey. Tom was a new union official on July 1, 1988, when five members of his local were killed in a fire and collapse at a car dealership in Hackensack. He led the crusade for a full and proper investigation of the event, and after the investigation, pushed for major changes in his fire department based on the report of the investigation. He was then appointed Lieutenant on December 1, 1991. He served as an IAFF State Representative from the early 1980s through 2001, when he was appointed as a District Field Service Representative (DFSR) in IAFF District One, serving New York and New Jersey. As a DFSR, Tom worked diligently to organize professional firefighters and paramedics throughout New Jersey into the IAFF, and assisted IAFF local affiliate leaders in negotiations and arbitrations. Tom was selected as an IAFF Hazardous Materials Master Instructor in 1994, and served in that capacity until his death. He was instrumental in ensuing that fire fighters in New Jersey received training to prepare them for incidents where hazardous materials or weapons of mass destruction might be involved. He delivered hundreds of hazardous material and weapons of mass destruction's training classes all across the United States during the 13 years he served as an IAFF Master Instructor. As an expert trainer, he helped prepare others to train, making presentations at several IAFF Instructor Development Conferences, most recently in May 2007 in Scottsdale, Arizona. On May 1, 2001, Tom was appointed Captain. He pressed for the passage of the New Jersey Fire Fighters Safety and Health Standards and constantly worked to upgrade them. In 2000, Tom led the legislative drive for the fire fighter occupational disease coverage, including cancer, in the state legislature. He pushed for medical coverage for the fire fighters after spending several weeks at the site of the World Trade Center, after September 11, 2001. On February 1, 2005, Tom Canzanella was appointed Deputy Chief of the Fourth Platoon. He was a true champion for fire fighter safety, working through the IAFF's political and governmental operations. He was a leader in promoting the IAFF's FIREPAC initiatives and supported the IAFF on all issues of concern to union members. Beloved husband for 25 years of Diane (nee Grattagliano). Devoted father of Allison Canzanella and Thomas Canzanella. Loving son of Vincent and Priscilla Canzanella of Hackensack. Adored son in law of Dominick and Barbara Grattagliano of Wood Ridge. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, June 16th, at Holy Trinity R. C. Church, 34 Maple Avenue, Hackensack at 11:00 AM. Cremation will follow at Cedar Lawn Crematory in Paterson. Visiting will be on Friday from 2 - 4 an 7 - 9 PM. Memorial donations to the Hackensack Firefighters Widows and Orphan Fund, 205 State Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601 would be appreciated. ,