Nassau County Police Department Chief of Patrol Kevin G. Canavan passed away on Sunday, June 30, 2024, due to complications from a 9/11-related cancer. He was 64 years old.
Chief Canavan, a longtime resident of Bayport, was a dedicated law enforcement officer with a decorated career spanning 39 years in the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD). Raised in Scarsdale, NY, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of South Carolina and later a Master’s Degree from Fordham University.
Kevin Canavan joined the NCPD on May 31, 1985, starting as a recruit and rising steadily through the ranks to become the Chief of Patrol, the second highest-ranking uniformed officer. Throughout his career, he held various roles, including Police Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Inspector, Inspector, Deputy Chief, and Assistant Chief. His leadership and expertise were evident in his work with the police aviation department, where he served as a helicopter pilot, and in the development of the Drone Detection Unit within the Marine and Aviation Bureau. This unit played a crucial role in ensuring safety during the recent Cricket World Cup in Nassau County.
Chief Canavan was a recipient of numerous awards and citations for his dedication to public service, including the prestigious 2024 Theodore Roosevelt Police Award. This accolade recognized his unwavering commitment and tireless work ethic, even while battling a serious illness from his exposure during the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero following the September 11 attacks.
Nassau County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman and Commissioner of Police Patrick J. Ryder expressed their deep sorrow and condolences to the Canavan family and the entire Nassau County Police Department.
“Chief Canavan was the consummate law enforcement professional with high intellect, integrity, and passion. His passing is a loss to the men and women of the Nassau County Police Department and the public,” said Blakeman.
Commissioner Ryder, who had known Canavan for over 38 years, called Chief Canavan a “cops cop.”
“The rank and file loved working for and with him,” said Ryder. “Kevin would always roll up his sleeves and get the job done no matter how long it may have taken… Kevin will be sorely missed for his dedication to law enforcement and even more so by his family and friends.”
Kevin Canavan is survived by his wife, Dianne, his children, Mike Porcelli and his wife Jade of Greenwich, Connecticut, and Heather Canavan of Bayport. He is also survived by his four brothers, Sean, Michael (Kathleen), Brian (Fior), and Daniel (Jamie). He was predeceased by his sister, Marie, and his brother, Frank.
Friends and relatives will gather 4-8 p.m. on Sunday, July 7th at Raynor & D’Andrea Funeral Home, 683 Montauk Hwy, Bayport. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, July 8th at Our Lady of the Snow RC Church in Blue Point and interment will follow at St. Ann’s Cemetery in Sayville.
Photo: NCPD.
