In Memoriam Officer Richard Lopez

(Graphics courtesy Rose Borisow GrafX)

Commissioner James P. O’Neill of the New York Police Department sadly reports the death of Officer Richard Lopez.

Officer Lopez, 52, died as a result of a cancer he contracted due to his duty assignment at Ground Zero following the World Trade Center disaster.

Officer Lopez spent months searching the disaster site for survivors and later, victims of the disaster. During his search and rescue efforts, he inhaled toxins and contaminants on a daily basis, which later developed into cancer.

We are saddened to announce the passing of our BROTHER & FRIEND (Ret. Police Officer) Richard Lopez @NYPDPSA8 Richie lost his fight against cancer this morning. Our prayers are with his family & friends. #NeverForget #RIP #TeamRichie S⬆️2C 💙 pic.twitter.com/PIQ4ZMeQbi
— NYPD Housing PSA 8 (@NYPDPSA8) June 24, 2018

Nearly three thousand civilians were killed on the day of the disaster. Over one thousand first responders, police officers, firefighters and EMS personnel have died over the following years due to diseases that have developed from their exposure to the toxins and contaminants.

.@NYPDCeremonial Honor Guard were in #Aguadilla, #PuertoRico for the 9/11 LOD funeral for #NYPD P.O. Richard Lopez. His family was presented with our #NYPD Department Flag, in honor of his dedicated service.#RIP Richie◾💙◾#QueDescansenEnPaz 🙏@NYPDNews @NYPDONeill @NYPDDCA pic.twitter.com/iKBXbrgAUM
— NYPD Ceremonial Unit (@NYPDCeremonial) July 6, 2018

Officer Lopez served the New York Police Department for 20 years. He is also a United States Marine Corps veteran. His wife, daughter and a brother survive him.

Officer Richard Lopez is gone, but will never be forgotten.

EOW: Sunday, June 24, 2018.

Author

Patrick Sharkey

Pat Sharkey earned an associate's Degree at Kellogg Community College and was hired by the Battle Creek Township Police Department as a dispatcher. Pat was then hired by the Michigan State Police and was initially assigned to the Capitol Security Detail. Eight years later, he attended the 98th Trooper Recruit School. Pat served as a trooper for the remainder of his career serving at State Police Posts in Erie, Sandusky, Northville, Flat Rock, Bridgeport, Ypsilanti, and Caro areas of Michigan. He attended Michigan State University’s Traffic Crash Reconstruction Program and was certified as an expert witness in several Michigan courts. Pat retired in 2010 after 35 years of public service. He is a correspondent for Law Enforcement Today and enjoys hunting, target shooting, and (most of all) sailing.