State Police Remembers Victims of the 9/11 Attacks

Lt. William Fearon, Sgt. Bryan McCoy, and Tpr I Robert Nagle Died in the Line of Duty as a Result of Their Response

Today marks the 18th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, which remains the deadliest attack on American soil in U.S. history. Nearly 3,000 people died that day in the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Arlington, VA, and in Shanksville, PA, after passengers and crew members overpowered hijackers before the plane crashed to the ground. Sadly, September 11th continues to claim victims.

The recovery efforts at Ground Zero continued for several months after the collapse of the towers. Hundreds of volunteers and first responders combed through the mountainous pile of debris in an attempt to rescue and recover victims. Contaminated air at the site caused many police officers, firefighters, and emergency services personnel to become ill, and several have lost their lives.

New Jersey State Police Lieutenant William G. Fearon #5147, Sergeant Bryan McCoy #3988, and Trooper I Robert E. Nagle #5493, are among those who sustained illnesses while assisting in the recovery efforts at Ground Zero and have made the ultimate sacrifice as a result of their service. New Jersey State Trooper Marc Passarella #6308, a former New York City Police Department officer who responded to Ground Zero and assisted in the recovery efforts, is currently battling an illness that he sustained as a result of his service in the days and weeks following the terrorist attacks.

Lieutenant Fearon enlisted in the New Jersey State Police on September 23, 1994, as a member of the 114th Class. He was assigned to various stations in Troops “B” and “D,” Troop “B” Operations, Troop “B” Tactical Patrol, and the Marine Services Bureau. He was dedicated to creating and developing state-of-the-art training for troopers and law enforcement officers such as active shooter scenarios, rapid response tactics, and active counter measures. Exposure to the dust and debris he encountered while assisting in the recovery efforts at Ground Zero directly resulted in a cancer diagnosis in 2015. On December 28, 2016, Lieutenant Bill “No Fear” Fearon succumbed to Glioblastoma, which is a type of brain cancer. Lieutenant Fearon served 22 years and 3 months with the New Jersey State Police. He is survived by his mother, brother, wife, and two children. He was 49 years old.

Sergeant McCoy worked as a Hamilton Township police officer prior to enlisting in the New Jersey State Police on June 21, 1984, as a member of the 101st Class. He was assigned to various stations in Troop “A,” Troop “E,” and the Marine Services Bureau. Sgt. McCoy proudly served the citizens of New Jersey for several years before retiring in 2006. Sgt. McCoy developed cancer, which was linked to his response to Ground Zero following the September 11th attacks. On April 6, 2019, Sgt. McCoy passed away surrounded by his family at his home in Seaville, N.J. He is survived by his wife, five children, grandson, and sister. He was 57 years old.

Trooper I Nagle was a member of the New Jersey Marine Police and a graduating member of the 116A New Jersey State Police Class, serving New Jersey citizens for 34 years before retiring in November of 2006. His last assignment with the State Police was with the Commercial Carrier Safety Inspections Central Unit. Trooper Nagle also served his country for six years in the Air National Guard. On November 26, 2017, Trooper Nagle died as a result of cancer that was determined to be the result of his exposure while serving at Ground Zero during the recovery efforts. Robert Nagle is survived by his wife, two sons, three grandchildren, brother, and beloved dogs, Honey and Millie. He was 67 years old.

“Today we commemorate the most devastating day of our lifetimes, and one of the worst this nation has ever endured,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Not just on this day, but every day, we recognize the brave first responders who shined as a beacon of light during our darkest day, and we especially remember and honor the heroism of Lieutenant William Fearon, Sergeant Bryan McCoy, and Trooper Robert Nagle, who exemplified the very best of our State Police, and sacrificed their own safety to protect those in harm’s way.”

“As we pause today to remember the events of September 11, 2001, we remember not only the lives that were lost, but also the bravery and courage that our first responders demonstrated that day and continue to exemplify each and every day,” said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal. “I am honored to join the New Jersey State Police as we remember Lieutenant Fearon, Sergeant McCoy, and Trooper Nagle, who answered the call to service on 9/11. While they came home to their families on that fateful day, they were lost too soon due to illnesses brought on from the exposure to contaminated air at Ground Zero. We will never forget their sacrifice, as well as the sacrifices made by all first responders on that day and days since. At the same time, we remain committed to supporting those brave men and women who continue to suffer from and battle 9/11-related illnesses.”

“Not just today but every day, we remember the first responders and unsung heroes who ran towards the towers to offer help, but never returned home. We remember the thousands of men and women whose lives were abruptly ended by the acts of terrorists. But we also remember all of the heroes whose unwavering courage and determination inspired the world, many sacrificing their own lives to save others and many still battling illnesses as a result of their efforts,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan of the New Jersey State Police. “The New Jersey State Police will continue to advocate for and support troopers and first responders who are still facing health issues as a result of their response to the 9/11 attacks.”

#NeverForget

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