Crime & Safety
Massapequa Firefighter Dies From 9/11 Related Illness
The 37-year-old, who went to Ground Zero as part of the Massapequa Fire Department team, died on Saturday.
A Massapequa firefighter died on Saturday from 9/11 related cancer. He was 37.
James Kennelly, who went with the Massapequa Fire Department to Ground Zero after the terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001, also worked as an officer for the Port Authority Police.
He worked as a volunteer for the local fire department for 18 years.
Find out what's happening in Massapequafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
He began his law enforcement career with the Nassau County Sheriff's Department before joining the Port Authority Police Department assigned to the JFK Airport Precinct.
Kennelly was a member of the Port Authority Police Emerald Society and was the 2017 grand marshal for the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade.
Find out what's happening in Massapequafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
In addition, he was the inspiration for the statue of a fireman saving a baby at the Massapequa Firefighter's Memorial.
He leaves behind a wife and daughter.
Many turned to social media to pay their respects:
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
