By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. (March 25, 2025) — Fremont firefighter Anthony K. Ganzler, renowned for his dedication and distinctive mustache, passed away on March 17, 2025, at his home in Elk Grove due to a cardiac event.
Ganzler, 42, joined the Fremont Fire Department in 2019, where he served on the Special Operations Task Force. Prior to this, he was a firefighter and EMT with the El Dorado County Fire Protection District from 2015 to 2019. His commitment to service was further exemplified by over eight years in the U.S. Army’s 173rd Airborne Division.
Known for his warm personality, sense of humor, and notably large mustache, Ganzler was a beloved figure among colleagues and the community. Fremont Firefighters Association President Kyle Sater described him as
“a lion of a man” and “a cherished member of our fire family.”
Fire Chief Zoraida Diaz remarked, “His warmth, resilient spirit and humor made him loved by everyone he came in contact with.”
A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, March 27, at 11 a.m. at District Church, 7000 Rossmore Lane, El Dorado Hills. Due to limited capacity, the community is encouraged to watch the livestream on the Fremont Fire Department’s YouTube page. In lieu of flowers, the Fremont Firefighters Local 1689 has established a GoFundMe to support the Ganzler family.
Earlier today, Fremont Firefighters celebrated the life of Anthony Ganzler along with his family, friends, and countless other agencies and uniformed personnel at District Church in El Dorado Hills. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of those that made this possible. Specifically, the agencies that provided coverage today in the City of Fremont: Alameda, Alameda County, Albany, Berkeley, Hayward, Milpitas, Oakland, and Livermore-Pleasanton, as well as those in attendance with us today: California Professional Firefighters, CPF Pipes & Drums, El Dorado County Fire, El Dorado Hills Fire, EDH Local 3604, El Dorado County Sheriff, Fremont Police Association, Sacramento County Sheriff Air Ops, El Dorado County Sheriff Air Ops, Father Robert of Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, and more. Only with your help and support were we able to come together and share in this celebration of such an exceptional person. We’re immensely privileged to have had him as part of our family, and are honored we had the opportunity to share that gratitude with so many today. Thank you.
