The Police Benevolent Association of New York State is drawing attention to illnesses related to 9/11 following the passing of a former officer.
The PBA and the state Department of Environmental Conservation announced that Environmental Conservation Officer Ronald Bosela was laid to rest in the Buffalo area over the weekend.
Officials stated that Bosela passed away from an illness connected to his service at the World Trade Center in New York City, where he was stationed at the North Tower of Ground Zero after the attacks.
The PBA revealed that Bosela is the fifth member of the NYSDEC Division of Law Enforcement to have died from a 9/11-related illness.
“ECO Bosela’s death highlights the numerous challenges that have impeded support for victims and families of first responders affected by illnesses related to 9/11,” stated PBA of New York State president James McCartney.
Bosela had served in various roles across the state, including in Western New York, before retiring in May 2008 from the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Division of Law Enforcement. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Navy, according to the PBA.
On Friday, Gov. Kathy Hochul ordered that flags at all state government buildings be flown at half-staff until Saturday at sunset.
“In his response to aid in the recovery efforts at the World Trade Center post-9/11, Officer Bosela displayed exemplary bravery and dedication in serving our state and country,” said Hochul in a statement. “I express my sincere gratitude and respect for his service and offer my condolences to his family, colleagues, and all who knew him.”
“On September 11, during one of the darkest days in America’s history, ECO Bosela was among a select group of heroes who rushed into danger, chaos, and uncertainty as our nation grappled with the unthinkable evil and loss of life that profoundly shook us to our core,” stated state DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton.
