Laird James Obituary Death – Laird James (LJ) Canfield, the former president of IAFF Local 1664, passed away on August 11, 2023. It is with a heavy heart that the members and officers of IAFF Local 1664 make this announcement. Former President Canfield was born in 1944, and he spent his childhood in a tiny hamlet in the state of New Jersey. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.
He served his four years in the Marine Corps in Cuba, Europe, and Southeast Asia, among other places. He was involved in multiple helicopter accidents and survived being shot while serving in Vietnam.
After finishing his service in the Marine Corps, he moved to Fairfax County, Virginia, where he worked as a fire fighter for a short while before relocating to Montgomery County. He was a member of the fire department during an era in which firefighters rode the back step of the engine while wearing helmets made of leather or aluminum.
Following his election to the position of President of Local 1664, he devoted an innumerable number of hours to advocating on behalf of fire fighters for improved working conditions as well as improved wages and benefits. Following his retirement, he moved his family to Florida, where he worked as a County Park Ranger and also taught hunter instruction for the Florida Game and Fish Commission. He stayed involved with the local Marine Corps League Detachment, and one of his favorite things to do there was to lend a hand with the Toys for Tots program.
He participated actively in the lives of his grandchildren and watched as both of his sons pursued professions as law enforcement officers. His involvement with Local 1664 and the fire department remained significant components of his life. On the 30th of August, 2023, at 12:30 p.m., there will be a Memorial Service. Sarasota National Cemetery can be found at 9810 State Road 72 in Sarasota, Florida, and can be reached at 34241-9574. After the service, there will be a reception held at the American Legion Post 3412, which is located in the Racetrack Shopping Center in Ellenton, Florida.
