New York City Police Officer Robert Oswain, who served in the Bronx and also participated in recovery efforts following the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, passed away on Saturday following a battle with cancer that his family attributed to the dust at Ground Zero. Officer Oswain was just 42 years old and a newlywed.

Officer Oswain served with the 47^th Precinct in the Bronx and played an important role at Ground Zero following 9/11. Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly issued a statement lauding Officer Oswain for his public service and “valiant struggle” against cancer.

Officer Oswain’s family and fellow police officers believe that toxic dust at Ground Zero caused his cancer. Patrick Lynch, president of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, believes that no one can really predict the outcome of inhalation of toxic dust at Ground Zero, and believes that the government must do more to support those who volunteered following the attacks and were exposed to all sorts of airborne contaminants, including asbestos.

“More must be done on a federal level for the thousands who answered the call without question and were stricken from toxic exposure,” said Lynch.

Initially, some recovery workers, NYPD and first responders did not wear protective gear like self-contained breathing apparatus’ to protect themselves from inhaling toxic air: there simply was not enough time to think about such protective measures, as their first priority was searching for survivors. Eventually, all workers at Ground Zero were provided with proper safety equipment, but by then it could have been too late to prevent the eventual onset of diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer, asthma, and mesothelioma cancer. Many have already developed what is called the “World Trade Center Cough” as a result of breathing in contaminated air. A first responder named Deborah Reeve, who assisted with recovery efforts on 9/11, died of mesothelioma (a fatal cancer caused only by asbestos exposure) in 2006. Her doctors say that her cancer was caused by exposures at Ground Zero. The real effects of asbestos exposure on 9/11 may not be known for decades.

Officer Oswain, called “one of the forgotten heroes of 9/11,” will certainly be remembered for his heroic and selfless dedication to the city which he served.

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