Everything Changed on 9/11

The World Trade Center terrorist attack in 2001 changed everything. This tragedy put homeland security in the limelight and raised the bar for emergency response readiness. During the September 11^th tragedy, nearly 400 staff from DEC divisions including Law Enforcement, Forest Protection, Environmental Remediation, Air, and Materials Management, among others, assisted with the difficult rescue and recovery work in and around Ground Zero to help protect the safety and health of New Yorkers and our environment.

Several Environmental Conservation Police Officers (both active and retired) became ill with September 11^th-related diseases from their assistance at Ground Zero and made the ultimate sacrifice. They put the safety of New Yorkers and their country ahead of their own, and all of us at DEC will be forever grateful for their service. 

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) honors fallen members of DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement who passed away from illnesses related to their assignments at the World Trade Center site following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

Lieutenant Paul C. Adam, ECO Ronald J. Bosela, ECO Lawrence E. Cabana, Investigator Thomas J. Graham, Lieutenant David J. McShane, and ECO Stephen L. Raymond were among nearly 400 heroes from across DEC's divisions who ran towards danger, chaos, and uncertainty to protect New Yorkers while our nation processed the unthinkable devastation and loss of life on that day 25 years ago.

DEC offers its deepest condolences to the families of the thousands of people who lost their lives during the attacks and the loved ones of the heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. We will never forget their courage, strength, and bravery.

Lieutenant Paul C. Adam, ECO Ronald J. Bosela, ECO Lawrence E. Cabana, Investigator Thomas J. Graham, Lieutenant David J. McShane, and ECO Stephen L. Raymond