NCPD Line of Duty Death Notification
It is with deep sorrow and regret that Nassau County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman and Commissioner of Police Patrick J. Ryder announce the Line of Duty Death of Active Three Star Chief of Patrol, Kevin G. Canavan of the Nassau County Police Department.
Chief Canavan began his 39 year law enforcement career with the Nassau County Police Department on May 31, 1985 as a recruit and steadily rose through the ranks of Police Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Inspector, Inspector, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, and Chief of Patrol becoming our second highest ranking uniformed officer overseeing over 2,000 members, both sworn and civilian.
The Chief was also appointed to many specialized units and held other designations during his career due to his experience, knowledge, and expertise, one of which consisted of being a Helicopter Pilot in the Aviation Unit, which was his true love. He recently developed a Drone Detection Unit within the Marine and Aviation Bureau, which was utilized during the past Cricket World Cup in Nassau County to ensure the safety of our residents, visitors, players, and members.
He was also a decorated officer who received many awards and citations for his dedication to the residents he served. The Chief was also recently awarded the 2024 Theodore Roosevelt Award for his tireless work ethic even when seriously ill due to complications of a 9/11 related cancer contracted from his exposure during the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero.
Our hearts, prayers, and condolences go out to the entire Canavan family, their friends, and the Nassau County Police Department during our shared time of grief.
From Nassau County Executive County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman:
“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.”
From Nassau Commissioner of Police Patrick Ryder:
“I have known Kevin for over 38 years and can say that he was one of the most professional and brightest law enforcement professionals that I have ever had the honor to work with. Chief Canavan was always a “Cops Cop” and 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. The Chief served the Nassau County Police Department with Loyalty, Integrity, Fairness and Excellence. Recently, while in his hospital bed he invited his top Chiefs and other high-ranking officials to meet with him at the hospital to go over the Operational Plan for the Cricket World Cup held a few weeks ago. Need I say more, this was classic Chief of Patrol Kevin Canavan, 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. My condolences go out to all.”