Andrew Cuomo Directs Flags To Fly At Half-Mast In Honor Of 9/11 First Responder

NEW YORK, NY — New York state trooper Brian Falb died from a 9/11-related illness on Monday, state authorities said.

"On March 13, 2017, Trooper Falb passed away from an illness stemming from his assignment at the World Trade Center site following the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001," state police said in a statement.

Falb helped with the search and recovery efforts in New York City in the wake of the 2001 terrorist attacks. Falb was diagnosed with brain cancer in May, according to a crowdfunding website created by his family.

Falb began working for the state police in 1998 and served for 18 years.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said on Wednesday that he was directing all flags at state government buildings to be flown at half mast.

"Trooper Falb served the people of New York with the valor and dedication that embodies the very best of the New York State Police," Cuomo said in a statement. "On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend my deepest condolences to Trooper Falb’s family, friends, fellow troopers and members of the greater law enforcement community. We will lower flags on state government buildings Thursday in honor of Trooper Falb’s memory and service."

This post has been updated with additional information.

Lead image via Shutterstock.