Joseph A. Young

It's with great sadness that we announce the passing of retired Glendale Fire Department Battalion Chief Joe Young. He passed away after a sudden cardiac event. Chief Young left us far too soon, but his memories will remain forever. He adored and loved his wife, children and grandchildren more than anything in this world. He is survived by his best friend and wife of nearly 30 years, Sandy, who was also a firefighter and how they met; the mother of his children Cathy Young, his son, Glendale Firefighter Matt Young, his daughter Chrissy Young, his six grandchildren Austin, Aleca, Cantrell, Taylor, London, and Landry, his sister-in-law Karen and his nieces Melissa, Maddy, Ava, and Zoe, all who adored him.

Joe was born in Indianapolis, IN in 1951. He joined Glendale Fire Department in 1973 and happily retired as a Battalion Chief in 2006, faithfully serving his community for over 33 years. In the 1980’s Joe created and oversaw the Glendale Firefighter reserve program as well as helped start the Glendale Community College Fire Ops 1 & 2 program of which is still active training program to this day. He was the lead recruit training officer for Phoenix Fire Academy (ESI) in 1983 and 1984 and helped mentor many careers in the fire service. He attended the National Fire Academy Leadership courses for many years and was the ASU Fire Leadership class ‘Student of the Class’.

Joe’s faith is very strong, and he was always willing to witness to people, God’s love for them. He has always been very involved with this church, taught Sunday School, and was the treasurer. Joe was passionate about health and fitness which we believe extended his life by many years. He instilled in his kids that they could accomplish anything they set their minds to. He taught his children to never give up and always trust in God. He taught his grandchildren that life only gets more fun with age and that truly anything is possible. Joe had an adventurous soul and enjoyed traveling to the Dominican Republic every year with Sandy. Most recently he and Sandy were able to travel to Italy and Spain with beautiful granddaughter Aleca.

Everyone that knew Joe, knew that he showed us all what true love looks like. We are all so sad to lose such a great man, but we know he’s with us in spirit and we will see him again in Heaven. We will keep your wisdom with us forever.