SARATOGA, N.Y. — Local law enforcement and New York State Police are mourning the loss of one of their own.

The Saratoga County Sheriff's Office says retired State Police Sergeant Charles Salaway has passed away after a battle with cancer.

In a post on its Facebook page, the sheriff's office says Salaway's cancer was related to the terrorist attacks on 9/11, when he spent time at Ground Zero in the weeks following the attacks.

Salaway retired from State Police in October, after nearly 30 years of service.

He is survived by his wife, Saratoga County Sheriff’s Investigator Courtney Salaway and his son, Saratoga County Deputy Sheriff Carson Salaway.