A California community is mourning a firefighter known for his dedication to helping others — and his unusually large mustache.
Anthony Ganzler, a father of two, died after a “cardiac event” on Monday, March 17, according to a statement posted by the Fremont Fire Department on Instagram.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Anthony’s family, friends and loved ones throughout our own ranks and beyond,” they wrote.
Fremont Fire Department has not immediately responded to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Ganzler, who joined the department in 2019, was off-duty when he experienced the medical emergency in Elk Grove, according to the statement. At 10:45 a.m. local time on March 17, the fire chief of the Elk Grove Fire Department notified Fremont’s Fire Chief Zoraida Diaz that Ganzler had died.
California Fire Foundation
“Anthony was a lion of a man, with a warm personality, a great sense of humor, a formidable stature, and an often outrageously large mustache,” wrote the Fremont Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 1689 on Instagram on March 18. “He was a loving husband to Erin, a devoted father to Savannah and Abigail, and a cherished member of our fire family.”
Prior to joining Fremont Fire, Ganzler served in the US Army 173rd Airborne Division, according to the association.
“His warmth and humor made him universally loved by all he worked with and his passing is an immeasurable loss for our organization,” they said.
Ganzler’s fellow firefighters and the association have organized a GoFundMe to support his family.
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Other fire departments have posted tributes to Ganzler.
The Cosumnes Fire Department wrote on Facebook on March 19 that his loss is “deeply felt throughout the firefighting community.” They added, “His dedication, service, and commitment to protecting others will never be forgotten.”
Ganzler’s memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, March 27, according to a tribute posted by the California Fire Foundation.
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