The Police Benevolent Association of New York State is calling attention to 9/11-related illnesses following the death of a former officer.
The PBA and the state Department of Environmental Conservation said Environmental Conservation Officer Ronald Bosela was laid to rest this weekend in the Buffalo area.
State officials say he died from an illness related to service at the World Trade Center in New York City. Bosela was assigned to the North Tower of Ground Zero after the attacks.
The PBA says Bosela is the fifth member of the NYSDEC Division of Law Enforcement known to have died of a 9/11-related illness.
“ECO Bosela’s death sheds a necessary light on the various difficulties that have hindered assistance for first responders’ victims and families affected by 9/11-related illness,” PBA of New York State president James McCartney said in a statement.
Bosela served multiple careers 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 U.S. Navy veteran, according to the PBA.
Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday directed that flags on all state government buildings be flown at half-staff until Saturday at sunset.
“In responding to assist in the recovery at the World Trade Center after 9/11, Officer Bosela exhibited exemplary bravery and courage in service to our state and country,” Hochul said in a statement. “I offer my deep gratitude and appreciation for his service and extend my condolences to his family, colleagues, and all of those who knew him.”
“On September 11, one of America’s darkest days, ECO Bosela was among an elite group of heroes who ran towards danger, chaos, and uncertainty while our nation processed the unthinkable evil and loss of life that truly rocked us to our core,” state DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said in a statement.