New York state troopers gathered with residents of the Rochester area Saturday to mourn the loss and honor the life of Trooper Steven Tyrrell, who passed away earlier this month from cancer. Tyrrell’s illness stemmed from his assignment in and around the World Trade Center site on Sept. 11, 2001.

“One of the most trying events and experiences, certainly, is a loss of one of our loved ones, our fellow trooper," State Police Superintendent Steven James said.

Tyrrell worked a long career long in law enforcement that included time with the Army National Guard and Capitol Police. He served as a trooper starting in 1997, and was last assigned to Troop T, Henrietta, according to state police.

“When I took him into the Thruway in June of 2022, Steve had already been stricken with his disease," said Major Scott Field, Troop T commander of the New York State Thruway. “Unfortunately, the 9/11 illnesses that we’ve been stricken with throughout the division and law enforcement in general, has taken its toll. But I can tell you that he fought it valiantly," Field said.

Tyrrell is one of hundreds of law enforcement officers to pass away from diseases that came from the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

“He was the 29th member to succumb, having really sacrificed and given his life as a result of the dedication that he imposed by going down and serving to assist," James said. “Tragically, we fear that he will not be the last."

Saturday brought together the area and law enforcement communities.

“This is a time bittersweet, but yet it brings us together and it helps to remind us of what’s truly important, which is the human element, our members," James said.

Tyrrell was last assigned to Troop T in Henrietta, where he was also a resident. He is survived by three children.

“He was clearly a family man. He’s well-regarded, he’s loved and he certainly will be missed," James said.