In Memory of Trooper Jenifer M. Czarnecki
New York Officer Dies from 9/11 Cancer
It is devastating to many in the New York area and nationwide that in 2020, we as Americans are still losing first responders to the 9/11 terrorist attack. On Saturday, December 5, 2020, Trooper Jennifer M. Czarnecki died from cancer that resulted from exposure to airborne contaminants while helping New Yorkers at the Twin Towers. Trooper Czarnecki came forward as a first responder to help during the search and rescue mission at the site of the 9/11 attacks.
Trooper Czarnecki served with the New York State Police for more than 20 years. She was then later assigned to SP Boston. Czarnecki was last stationed in Western New York with Troop A, which works out of the State Police Boston barracks.
New York State Police
Trooper Czarnecki served her city with the New York State Police Department. The agency has more than 5000 sworn state troopers and approximately 700 civilian employees. The state police are under the management of the New York State Executive Department.
The agency was formed 103 years ago in 1917. The state police patrol the highways and provide law enforcement protection for the entire state of New York. Officers are responsible for patrolling an area of more than 54,000 square miles. The nearly 6000 employees of the agency provide police services to almost 19.5 million people.
9/11 Victims
On September 11, 2001, terrorist hijackers working for the al Qaeda and led by Osama bin Laden, crashed four hijacked planes. The hijackers used the aircraft to crash into the World Trade Center towers in New York, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. On that morning, 72 officers from eight local, state, and federal agencies were killed trying to rescue victims.
A total of 19 terrorist militants orchestrated the attacks on the United States. Nearly 3000 individuals were killed during the attack. The number of losses continues to rise, as many first responders were exposed to carcinogens and chemicals in the air while working to rescue others. Trooper Czarnecki is the latest victim of the attack more than 19 years later.
After the first impact into the World Trade Center’s North Tower, many first responders reacted, putting others’ safety before their own. Law enforcement, fire departments, and EMS personnel rushed into the burning Twin Towers to help lead victims to safety. It is because of their quick actions that more than 25,000 individuals were saved. More than 500 first responders, survivors, and residents of Manhattan have died from 9/11 related illnesses in the 19 years since the attacks.
Family and Friends Mourn
Trooper Jennifer M. Czarnecki is survived by her husband, mother, and brother. The city of New York and law enforcement from around the area will join together to celebrate her life. The community will hold firm and be a rock of faith for Czarnecki’s family to help them through their time of grief.
The New York State Police posted their condolences on their social media pages. “Acting Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen is saddened to announce the line of duty death of Trooper Jennifer M. Czarnecki. Trooper Czarnecki died on December 5, 2020, from an illness stemming from her assignment to the World Trade Center site following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Following the events of 9/11, Trooper Czarnecki was assigned to aid with the search and recovery efforts in New York City as part of the New York State Police Detail. Trooper Czarnecki entered into retirement from the New York State Police on November 3, 2020, because of her worsening illness.”
