OFFICERS SICKENED BY GROUND ZERO CLEANUP TO BE HONORED BY COUNTY

Two more names will be added to the Rockland County Police Memorial during a remembrance ceremony at 11 a.m. Sunday, May 22, in front of the County Courthouse on Main Street in New City.

Deputy United States Marshal Zacarias Toro and New York City Police Department Lt. Luis Lopez both responded to the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. Both later developed severe health issues, attributed to their service at Ground Zero, that claimed their lives in 2015.

The Rockland County men are survived by their wives and children, and will be honored Sunday for their heroism and sacrifices. Their survivors will also be recognized.

“Few have paid as great a price as these fallen officers and their families,” Rockland County Legislature Chairman Alden H. Wolfe said. “It is our responsibility to honor these and all other officers who have been lost because they were willing to put their lives on the line to protect ours.”

Wolfe has proclaimed May 22 as Deputy United States Marshal Zacarias Toro and New York City Police Department Lt. Luis Lopez Day as part of National Police Week observances.

Toro and Lopez will be the 32nd and 33rd names added to the Police Memorial, Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco III said. He will deliver the Law Enforcement Memorial Message during the ceremony.

“We cannot thank these officers – and all fallen officers – enough for what they have done for us,” Falco said. “We must make sure we never forget their sacrifice and by doing so, by remembering each one of them, we keep a part of them here with us.”
Toro is believed to be the first member of the U.S. Marshal’s Service to die as a result of injuries sustained from the Sept. 11 terror attacks. U.S. Marshal Michael Greco of Pomona will be the guest speaker Sunday. Clarkstown Police Chief Michael Sullivan will be the master of ceremony.