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.
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