9/11 Hero And Late Officer Remembered For Youth Lacrosse Service

FARMINGDALE, NY—When Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) Officer Matthew A. Perlungher passed away from 9/11-related cancer in August, it wasn't only his immediate friends and family that felt the loss. Over 9,000 youth lacrosse players benefited from the Merrick resident's service as the director of the Long Island Metropolitan Lacrosse Foundation last year.

A ceremony at the foundation's 9/11 memorial at Farmingdale State College was held on Sept. 18, and Perlungher's name was added to the plaque, one of eight named added in the rededication ceremony.

Duke University men's lacrosse coach and Long Island native John Danowski was the guest speaker.

"We deeply believe in the value of the lives that these eight men and the manner in which they represented themselves, their families, their country. We are now challenged to live our lives, to hold ourselves and each other to the standards that they have set before us. We must accept the challenge that these men so modeled. In doing so, we are reminded, we are not alone. The lacrosse community is with you. They will not let you down. You are never alone."

Perlungher was 50 years old when he died from a cancer associated with his time working the 9/11 site.

"He will forever be remembered and the Nassau County PD would like to thank the LIMF for honoring him," the NCPD posted on social media.

Perlungher's wife Erika and daughter Emma were among those in attendance at the ceremony.