LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. -- Trooper Michael Anson, a 31-year New York State Police veteran who died from cancer he developed after rushing to help on September 11th, was also celebrated as a father, friend, husband and hero.

"Simply put, as a trooper, Mike got it," said Superintendent George Beach II, to those assembled inside the Siena ARC.

In the days after September 11, 2001 as people were stunned into shock and grief, Anson was one of the people heading to New York City to assist with search and recovery efforts at Ground Zero. It was there he contracted the illness that more than 15 years later would return and take his life.

"Shortly before his death, he requested that he be able to do an interview so that people would understand what was happening to first responders and to urge other people who had been there to have themselves checked and potentially treated," said Beach.

Anson was assigned to Troop G. Throughout his time as a trooper, he served as a school resource officer for seven years. Most recently, he worked out of New Scotland and also helped train officers at the academy.

His dedication to public service shined bright throughout his entire life, but he was also a loving husband and father to three children.

"He taught us through his actions, not necessarily through his words," said Mikala Anson, Michael's daughter.

Selfless to the end, Trooper Anson's legacy will be strong, not just in his family who survives him, but the students he worked with as a resource officer and the cadets he trained at the end of his life.