NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – Flags were flying at half-staff in New York on Monday to honor a state Department of Environmental Conservation police lieutenant who recently died from a 9/11-related illness, Gov. Kathy Hochul said.
Flags will be flown at half-staff until sunset to pay respect to DEC Police Lt. David J. McShane, who died on Jan. 22 of cancer, which returned after several years of remission. His wife and three kids were by his side.
McShane's death at 50 years old came less than two years after he retired in June 2022 following 22 years of service, officials said.
McShane, who lived in Onondaga County, was assigned to assist search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
In a statement Monday, Hochul praised McShane's DEC work "to protect our natural resources and ensure public safety."
"In responding to assist in the recovery at the World Trade Center after 9/11, Lieutenant McShane exhibited further bravery and courage in service to our state and country," the governor said. "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."
According to his obituary, McShane was a falconer who trained and cared for red-tailed hawks and who "loved all animals, especially his dogs, Copper and Cooper."
His funeral was Sunday, with a funeral Mass set for Monday.