NYSAFC Remembers Past President Joseph J. Belczak

The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs is saddened to announce the loss of Retired Chief Joseph J. Belczak, who passed away on June 13, 2016. Belczak was a retired chief with the North Tonawanda Fire Department in Niagara County and served as president of NYSAFC from 1992-1993.

Belczak joined the fire service as a member of Live Hose Co. No. 4 in 1946. On June 1, 1947, he was appointed to the career force as a firefighter/fire driver. He served in that capacity until being appointed assistant fire chief in 1960 and then deputy fire chief in 1968. Belczak was named fire chief in 1972 and retired in 1985. He was also a member of North Tonawanda’s Columbia Hook & Ladder Co. No.1.

Throughout the course of his career, Belczak was a member of numerous national, state, and local emergency services organizations, including the Niagara County Fire Chiefs Association, New York State Fire Council, International Association of Fire Chiefs, National Fire Protection Association, North Tonawanda Professional Firefighters Local 1333 AFL-CIO, Niagara County Fire Advisory Board, Niagara County Emergency Medical Services Council, Big Lakes Regional Emergency Medical Services Council, Volunteer Firemen’s Association of North Tonawanda, North Tonawanda Firemen’s Benevolent Association, and Niagara County Volunteer Firemen’s Association. He was also an advocate with the National Association of State Fire Marshals.

Belczak joined NYSAFC in 1968 and was a life member. He worked as a member of the Career Chiefs and Education Committees before serving on the board of directors for 13 years. Upon his installation as president in 1992, Belczak noted that he proudly followed in the footsteps of North Tonawanda Fire Chief Fred Knight, who had served as NYSAFC president 50 years prior. Knight was the first chief that Belczak served under.