Less than a year after Christopher Garrow entered the New York State Police force, he was assigned to New York City to assist in search and recovery efforts from the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

On Monday, Garrow, a state police captain, died from an illness stemming from working in and around the World Trade Center site, New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven Nigrelli said.

Garrow was 47. He had served with the agency for 23 years – nearly half of his life – Nigrelli said, and was most recently assigned to Troop B in Ray Brook, where he spent most of his career.

Garrow was from Peru in Clinton County, and is survived by his wife, Jillian, and two daughters, Maggie and Ella, according to police. 

He is at least the 21st state trooper to die as a result of a 9/11-related illness.

Funeral arrangements will be posted online by the New York State Police.