NJ State Police Honor Late Troopers Who Helped With 9/11 Recovery

NEW JERSEY — On the 19th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, New Jersey State Police honored three officers who died as a result of illnesses while they contracted while helping New York recover from the devastating attack that killed nearly 3,000 people.

New Jersey State Police Lieutenant William G. Fearon, Staff Sergeant Bryan U. McCoy and Trooper I Robert E. Nagle all died of illnesses they contracted while helping in the recovery efforts at Ground Zero in New York City, police said Friday morning.

Retired New Jersey State Trooper Marc Passarella, a former New York City police officer, is still battling an illness that struck him as a result of his efforts to help clean up the site of the former World Trade Center, police said.

“The September 11th terrorist attacks occurred nineteen years ago, but the pain and sorrow are still fresh,” Gov. Phil Murphy said. “We will never forget the lives cut short that day and the first responders who selflessly saved so many more from perishing.”

Fearon, also known as Lieutenant Bill “No Fear” Fearon, was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, which is a type of brain cancer, in 2015. The diagnosis was a direct result of exposure to the dust and debris he encountered while assisting in the recovery efforts at Ground Zero.

He died on Dec. 28, 2016, at the age of 49. Fearon is survived by his mother, brother, wife, and two children.

He joined the New Jersey State Police on Sept. 23, 1994, as a member of the 114th Class. He served for 22 years, three months. He was assigned to various stations in Troops “B” and “D,” Troop “B” Operations, Troop “B” Tactical Patrol, and the Marine Services Bureau.

During his time with the police, he created and developed for troopers and other law enforcement. The training he worked on included active shooter scenarios, rapid response tactics, and active counter measures.

“September 11th is a time to remember those we lost, especially those first responders who courageously gave their lives when our nation was attacked and those who bravely served in the dangerous rescue and recovery efforts, many of whom continue to suffer and succumb to illnesses because of their service,” Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal said. “It’s a time to remember what it means to be an American. The heroes of 9/11—including Lieutenant Fearon, Sergeant McCoy, and Trooper Nagle—remind us that freedom is precious but not free. We must remain committed, as they were, to working together to preserve our nation and all it stands for.”

McCoy was a police officer in Hamilton Township before he joined 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. He retired in 2006.

McCoy developed cancer, which was linked to his response to Ground Zero following the September 11th attacks. On April 6, 2019, McCoy passed away at the age of 57, surrounded by his family at his home in Seaville. He is survived by his wife, five children, grandson, and sister.

Nagle died from cancer that was determined to be the result of his exposure while serving at Ground Zero during the recovery efforts on Nov. 26, 2018, at the age of 67.

Nagle was a member of the New Jersey Marine Police and a graduating member of the 116A New Jersey State Police Class. Nagle also served his country for six years in the Air National Guard.

He retired in November 2006 after serving New Jersey citizens for 34 years. Nagle is survived by his wife, two sons, three grandchildren, brother, and beloved dogs, Honey and Millie.

“Nineteen years ago today, we made a promise to the nearly 3,000 victims and their families that we would never forget, and that promise doesn’t have an expiration date,” Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, said. “Today we honor all who were lost on that day and those who succumbed to illnesses, as a result of their response efforts, in the days, weeks, months, and years that followed, like Lieutenant Fearon, Staff Sergeant McCoy, and Trooper Nagle. We keep them and those who are still fighting for their lives in our thoughts and prayers daily. While we mourn those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we take solace in the fact that their heroism has inspired so many to choose a profession of service— many, like our newest troopers who graduated a week ago today, were just children at the time. The New Jersey State Police will never forget the lives lost, and we will continue to advocate for troopers and first responders who are still facing health issues as a result of their response to the 9/11 attacks."