In Memory of Lieutenant Michael F. Raimo
New York residents were given the sad news from officials that the death count from the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks on the World Trade Center continues to take first responders’ lives so many years later. On Thursday, October 10, 2019, Lieutenant Michael F. Raimo passed away from cancer he developed from exposure to toxins during search and recovery efforts in New York City. Lt. Raimo was 60 years old.
Many officers and first responders have lost their lives from helping with the search, rescue, and clean-up of the 9/11 attacks. In addition, debris in the air contained multiple chemicals that have caused many, like Lt. Raimo, to develop lung cancers, breathing problems, and other medical illnesses.
On September 11, 2001, a total of seventy-two officers from eight local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies were killed in the attack. The attack was orchestrated by the al Qaeda terrorist network who sent and trained hijackers for this purpose. The hijackers took control of four planes. Two planes crashed into the World Trade Tower, one airplane crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and the fourth plane was taken down in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
After the initial impact, law enforcement officers of every rank, along with fire and EMS personnel, rushed into the collapsing building in an attempt to save as many lives as possible. Due to their heroic actions, more than 25,000 people were saved before the collapse.
On the day of the attack, 72 law enforcement officers, 343 New York City Firefighters, and over 2,800 civilians died. An additional 200 military and civilian personnel were killed at the Pentagon.
The air surrounding the World Trade Center site proved to be contaminated and has caused many fatalities and illnesses among rescue personnel, including Lt. Raimo.
New York City Police Department, New York
Raimo was a veteran officer with the New York City Police Department, or NYPD is the primary law enforcement for New York. Created in 1845, it is one of the largest and oldest law enforcement agencies in the United States.
NYPD headquarters is located in lower Manhattan, close to City Hall. All regulations that apply to the NYPD can be found under title 38 in New York’s city regulations. Unique to New York, the agency includes many departments under its management due to the number of people served. This would consist of the NYC Housing Authority Police Department and the NYC Transit Police.
As an officer with the NYPD, officers work in various units of the NYPD and are often cross-trained for multiple specialties. These include the Emergency Service Unit, K9, harbor patrol, air support, bomb squad, counter-terrorism, criminal intelligence, anti-organized crime, narcotics, public transportation, and public housing units.
Remembrances
Lieutenant Michael F. Raimo leaves behind his wife and son. He also leaves his extended family, blue family, friends, neighbors, and the entire community he gave his life to protect. Many officers from around New York and surrounding areas will help make the escort ride home for Lt. Raimo a commemorative event.
The NYPD Police Service Area 2 posted details of the loss of a great leader that everyone looked up to at the department. “It isn’t often that you have the opportunity to work for and alongside someone who is not only a great man but a great leader. Lieutenant Michael Raimo, today your PSA-2 family stands with your family and friends to mourn your passing and celebrate your memory. #WeWillMissYouForever.”
