A senior police officer from New York who was recognized for aiding the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero just two weeks ago has died from 9/11-related cancer .
Kevin Canavan, Nassau County's Chief of Patrol, died on Sunday. He spent nearly 40 years in the force and was described as a "cop's cop". He began his law enforcement career in May 1985 as a recruit and rose through the ranks.
The 64-year-old was the second-highest ranking uniformed officer and oversaw over 2,000 members. He was a decorated officer and just two weeks ago, received the 2024 Theodore Roosevelt Award for his tireless work ethic even when seriously ill. Canavan's death was listed as a line of duty death as he died from 9/11-related illness .
"It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Chief of Patrol Kevin Canavan," a spokesperson for Nassau County Police Department said. "Our hearts, prayers, and condolences go out to the entire Canavan family. The department is with them during this shared time of grief."
Kevin was raised in Scarsdale but was a long-time resident of Bayport, Long Island . The three-time chief earned his Bachelor’s Degree at the University of South Carolina and his Master’s Degree at Fordham University.
Canavan was appointed to many specialized units and held other designations during his career due to his experience, knowledge, and expertise, which included being a helicopter pilot in the Aviation Unit - "his true love".
More recently, he developed a Drone Detection Unit within the Marine and Aviation Bureaus that was used during last month’s T20 Cricket World Cup at Eisenhower Park that ensured the safety of residents , fans, and players.
Cavan even worked in his hospital bed to go over the operational plan for the Cricket World Cup. Patrick Ryder, Nassau Commissioner of Police , told Fox: "Kevin was a cop's cop. The rank and file loved working for and with him.
"Kevin would always roll up his sleeves and get the job done no matter how long it may have taken. Chief Canavan was always serving the department, even when seriously ill . Kevin will be sorely missed for his dedication to law enforcement and even more missed by many others, as he was so dedicated to his family and friends ."
Kevin is survived by his wife Dianne, two children, Mike Porcelli and his wife Jade of Greenwich, Connecticut and Heather Canavan of Bayport, and four brothers, Sean, Michael (Kathleen), Brian (Fior) and Daniel (Jamie).
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A funeral mass will be held at 11am on Monday, July 8 at Our Lady of the Snow RC Church in Blue Point. Interment will follow at St Ann’s Cemetery in Sayville.
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