In Memory of Detective Peter Gianfrancesco
9/11 Attacks Take Another Life
Nearly 19 years after the 9/11 terrorist attack on New York City and the United States, the incident is still taking first responders’ lives. Officials were saddened to announce another New York City Police officer’s loss, who has passed away due to long term health hazards raised by 9/11.
Detective Peter “Pietro” Gianfrancesco passed away from cancer that developed from exposure to toxic air and chemicals released from the fall of the Twin Towers. Detective Gianfrancesco passed away on September 2, 2020, just days before the attacks’ 19th anniversary.
Gianfrancesco served with the New York City Police Department for over 20 years. At the time of the terrorist attacks, he was assigned to the search and recovery efforts following the World Trade Center attack.
On September 11, 2001, a total of seventy-two officers lost their lives when they bravely faced the danger and entered the World Trade Center to save the lives of others inside. They ignored the threat to their safety and worked to save as many lives as they were able, even at the sacrifice of their own. This event occurred when terrorist hijackers worked with the al Queda terrorist network and chose to hijack planes and people to use as a weapon against U.S. citizens.
Due to the quick actions of officers like Gianfrancesco, more than 25,000 people’s lives were saved. It did come at a significant cost as on that very morning; the U.S. lost 71 law enforcement officers, 343 New York City Firefighters, and 2,800 citizens were killed from the attacks. Many years later, even as long as 19 years, many other lives were lost due to exposure to the chemicals released into the air during the collapse.
Two hijacked planes hit the World Trade Center, but there were more. A third stolen plane was crashed into a rural Pennsylvania field, killing many more people. The individuals on the aircraft were brave and stood up to the terrorists, and in the end, it cost all of their lives.
A fourth plane was hijacked and steered directly into the Pentagon. The attacks were considered retaliation against the U.S. declaration of war against the Taliban regime. The contamination in the air surrounding the attacks has continued to take the lives of many for years after the initial attack.
New York City Police Department
Detective Gianfrancesco served 20 years with the New York City Police Department. The NYPD is one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the United States and the largest. The department was established in May 1845. The current chief is Terance Monahan. He is the highest officer in New York state. Monahan is also considered the one who is responsible for the department’s day-to-day work and assigned activities. The department is the largest law enforcement agency in the United States, with approximately 36,000 sworn officers on the payroll.
A Long Road – Family Grieves Loss
After many years of suffering from health conditions brought on by the U.S. attacks, Detective Peter Gianfrancesco succumbed to cancer brought on by the debris in the air after the incident. He leaves behind his wife and daughter. Many friends, coworkers, and neighbors join his family in remembering his life and his commitment to the community.
The National Fraternal Order of Police posted their goodbyes to Gianfrancesco on its social media. “Blessed Are the Peacemakers. Detective Peter “Pietro” Gianfrancesco New York City Police Department, New York EOW: Wednesday, September 2, 2020, #EnoughIsEnough #OfficerDown #EOW #ThinBlueLine”
