Thomas Dale Carlson

Thomas Dale Carlson, Retired Assistant Fire Chief for Chandler Fire Department, died on November 5, 2026. A resident of Chandler, Arizona, Tom was born June 10, 1955, in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He resided in Kenosha until 1989 when he and his family moved to Arizona.

Tom attended schools in Kenosha, Wisconsin, graduating from Tremper High School in 1973. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin – Parkside. He furthered his education after moving to Arizona, earning a master’s degree from Arizona State University, reflecting a steady commitment to learning and growth throughout his life.

Tom devoted 36 years to the fire service, serving 11 years with the Kenosha Fire Department, moving up the ranks to Training Chief. The remaining 25 years of fire service were with the Chandler Fire Department, retiring at the rank of Assistant Fire Chief. Tom was very involved during his fire service years, donating time to the annual Fill the Boot, Ring the Bell, and Habitat for Humanity. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Chandler Emergency Relief Fund, which today has evolved into the Chandler Firefighter Charities. For a period of time Tom was a trustee for the Chandler Firefighters chapter of the United Phoenix Firefighters Local 493. Committed to firefighter safety, Tom was involved in new fire station planning and development, the design of the new Fire Administration Building for Chandler Fire, and also the courtyard honoring fallen first responders.

Tom was a loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle. He was married to his wife, Cindy, for 53 years, who survives him. He is also survived by his two loving daughters Jennifer (Alvin) and Megan (David), and his loving son Steve (Casey); sisters: Janet (Vince) Condella, and Nancy Carlson; and five grandchildren, Dayton Carlson, Ashton Carlson, David Derouin, Devan Derouin, and Kirah Moore; niece, Jody Oquist, and nephew, Paul Oquist. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Rita Carlson; both maternal and paternal grandparents, and several aunts and uncles.

Beyond his career, Tom was always focused on his family, planning family activities, vacations or just spending time talking with them and catching up on what they were doing. Of all the places he loved to travel, Maui was his favorite destination. Tom found great joy playing golf with his son or fellow firefighters, chatting with friends and helping others.

A Visitation will be held at Valley of the Sun Mortuary, 10940 East Chandler Heights Rd, Chandler, AZ 85248, US, on November 21, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Funeral Service will follow at Valley of the Sun Mortuary on November 21, 2026, at 11:00. There will be a reception immediately after services at the same location.

The family extends a special thanks to Ascension Hospice, and the entire Chandler Fire Department for their tremendous love and support for Tom; very special thanks are extended to Chandler Fire Station #7 crews for all the care given to Tom in his time of need.

In lieu of flowers the family would ask that donations be made to Ascension Hospice.