In Memory of Undersheriff Stephen B. McLoud

On Thursday, August 29, 2019, New York authorities informed residents that the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office had lost one of their officers in the line of duty due to the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

Undersheriff Stephen B. McLoud, badge 502, died due to cancer he developed from breathing the contaminated air at the World Trade Center. McCloud served with the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office for over 23 years. His assignment was to work the recovery efforts at the Fresh Kills landfill.

At the time of the attack, McLoud was the chief criminal investigator. He also had experience as a firefighter and had served with the Weedsport Fire Department for over 20 years. At the time of his death, McCloud was 59 years old.

McCloud’s death directly resulted from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. On that morning, hijackers who worked with al Qaeda used planes as weapons against the US when they attempted to crash four of them into US targets. Two planes hit the World Trade Center or Twin Towers in New York City. One plane hit the Pentagon. The fourth plane was heading toward Arlington, but passengers aboard the plane fought back. The plane crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

The clean-up efforts after the attack proved deadly as well. Chemicals, dust, debris from the explosion lingered in the air. Workers at the scene attempting to find survivors were breathing this chemical concoction in the air. Many officers, firefighters, and other first responders have since lost their health, developed breathing conditions, or like McCloud, found that they had specific types of lung cancer associated with the clean-up.

Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office, New York

McLoud served with the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office. Cayuga County has nearly 81,000 residents divided into 23 towns and nine villages. Currently, the CCSO has a staff of over 175 members.

Like many sheriff’s departments, the CCSO is responsible for patrols, criminal investigations, victims’ services, civil service for the county, courthouse security, and the management of the Cayuga County Jail. The agency is progressive in many areas. For example, one new program introduces a partnership with the Cayuga Counseling Center to reduce recidivism in the jail and other detention centers. In working with inmates as they are released from the jail, the program assists with job placement, education, and health programs.

Remembrances

Undersheriff Stephen B. McLoud leaves behind his wife and two children. He also leaves behind a community he served for over 23 years. During his time as an officer, McLoud touched the lives of many. Hundreds of residents and area police officers attended his funeral service. The day was spent in celebration of the sacrifice he made for others.

Current Cayuga County Undersheriff Steve Smith left a message of gratitude to his friend and fellow officer. “When I joined the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Steve McLoud was an Investigator. Steve was one of my mentors who was always willing to help a young Deputy. When he became our Undersheriff, I was promoted to Detective. Today I am the Undersheriff. I would not be there if not for men like Steve, who taught and inspired me. Thank you, Steve, for your service, your kindness, and the sacrifices you made for our county and our nation. Rest in peace.”

Davis Police Department Kim Durham shared gratitude. “Thank you, Undersheriff Stephen B. McLoud, for your service. You were there to help so many in need, and I am sorry to hear that you have suffered an early death in response. Thank you so much for being there. We are honored to have you there, and my prayers are with your family, friends, the Department, and Community. May HE bless you richly in the new life. Blessings and thank you.”