Colonel Joseph R. Fuentes, superintendent of the New Jersey State Police sadly reports the death of Lieutenant William “Bill” Fearon.

Lt. Fearon, 49, died as a result of a brain cancer that he had been diagnosed with following his service at Ground Zero during the 9/11 World Trade Center attack. Lt. Fearon worked several months at Ground Zero and became ill a short time later but continued to work his normal daily routine.

In May of 2015, an MRI discovered a brain tumor and he immediately underwent surgery along with radiation and chemotherapy. In July he returned to limited duty following his surgery. Lt. Fearon’s goal was to return to full active duty at the beginning of the year. Lt. Fearon’s condition suddenly and rapidly declined until he passed away.

Lt. Fearon was a 22 year veteran of the department having graduated from the 114th Trooper Recruit Class. He served in the Field Operations Division in Troops B and D. Fearon was promoted through the ranks attaining the rank of lieutenant. He served as an Assistant Division Operations Officer and as an Assistant Station Commander. Lt. Fearon was serving as a Tactical Firearms Instructor at the time of his death.

Lieutenant Fearon is survived by his wife of 23 years, Janice; and their three children, Ryan, 18, Elyse, 16, and Jessie,12.

Lieutenant William Fearon-gone, but never forgotten. EOW: Wednesday, December 28, 2016.

Graphic done by Rose Borisow GraFX