The IAFF has lost two of its best. Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin (PFFW) Vice President Michael “Woody” Woodzicka died Jan. 20 and Federal Joint Council Vice President Roy “Tank” Colbrunn died nine days earlier on Jan. 11.
“The impact of Woody’s and Tank’s leadership was felt far beyond their home states and districts,” said General President Edward Kelly. “Their hard work and dedication are unmatched. Our thoughts and prayers are with their family, friends, and brothers and sisters in Local 257 and Local F-88.”
Woodzicka joined the Appleton (Wisconsin) Fire Department in 1990 because he wanted to help people in his community. But it wouldn’t be long before he was helping his fellow Appleton Local 257 members.
“Woody was a strong leader and a true friend,” said 5th District Vice President Mahlon Mitchell, who also serves as the PFFW president. “He dedicated his life to serving his community and protecting his fellow fire fighters. When someone asked him for help, he always said yes, never no. My thoughts are with his family and his fellow Local 257 members. He will be missed beyond measure.”
He joined the Local 257 Executive Board in 1993, serving in many roles before being elected president in 1998, a position he held until 2017. In 2005, Woodzicka expanded his dedication to union members when he joined the PFFW Executive Board, eventually serving as president (2008-2011) and vice president (2011-2025).
Woodzicka also served as a 5th District Field Service Representative and was a board member for the PFFW Charitable Foundation and the Wisconsin AFL-CIO.
The impact of Woody’s and Tank’s leadership was felt far beyond their home states and districts. Their hard work and dedication are unmatched. Our thoughts and prayers are with their family, friends, and brothers and sisters in Local 257 and Local F-88.
General President Edward Kelly
Throughout his career, he championed fire fighter and union issues. He is perhaps best known for advancing state legislation to protect members and their families in case of occupational infectious disease and cancer diagnoses.
That dedication would not go unnoticed; Woodzicka was given an IAFF Local Leadership Award in 2020.
He is survived by his daughters Emily and Lauren, extended family, and friends.
Roy “Tank” Colbrunn, a proud member of Wright-Patterson Airforce Base (Ohio) Local F-88, was born to serve.
“He was not only a trusted colleague but also a great friend. His unwavering commitment to the IAFF and its members across the country is something we could all learn from. He was an extraordinary individual who made a significant impact on the lives of many,” said 16th District Vice President James Johnson. “His knowledge, dedication, and camaraderie will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”
Colbrunn joined the U.S. Marine Corps in the late 1970s before joining the Air Force Reserves in 1979. Then, in 1986, he took his service to his country one step further when he became a fire fighter at Wright-Patterson Airforce Base.
As a fire fighter, Colbrunn received several performance awards, served on multiple boards and committees, and worked hard to improve workplace and public safety.
In addition, he held various union roles over the years, first as president of Local F-88 and later as 16th District Field Service Representative and Federal Joint Council Vice President.
He was known for his love for the outdoors, cigars, and his 2000 Pontiac Firebird TransAm. But, most of all, his family and friends say he will be remembered for having a heart as big as he was.
Colbrunn is survived by his wife LuAnn, his daughter Kaleena, stepsons Jasen and Terry, and a long list of extended family members and friends.