PBA of New York State and Special Olympics Remember 9/11 Victims During Torch Run Recently Deceased State Environmental Conservation Officer Larry Cabana Honored at Plattsburgh Relay
Tuesday, September 19, 2023Albany, NY (September 19, 2023) – Police Officers from the PBA of New York State (PBANYS) converged on the City of Plattsburgh, NY on Friday, September 15th for the Special Olympics Torch Run and to remember those who lost their lives to the terror attacks on 9/11 - including union member Larry Cabana, an Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) who served at the World Trade Center recovery site and passed away in August.
PBANYS president, Jim McCartney, said, “Our members are truly grateful that the Special Olympics Torch Run in Plattsburgh was dedicated to Environmental Conservation Officer Larry Cabana who served at Ground Zero of the World Trade Center in the days following the horrendous attacks. Like so many first responders and heroes who answered the call, ECO Cabana succumbed to illness related to toxic exposure. Larry’s spirit was undaunted in the face of adversity - just like the athletes who participate in the Special Olympics. I know Larry would consider this to be among the highest of honors from a grateful community.”
In addition to Environmental Conservation Officer Cabana, the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Division of Law Enforcement also lost ECOs Paul Adams, Stephen Raymond, and Thomas Graham who served alongside ECO Cabana at the World Trade Center site. Several other officers represented by PBANYS have had their careers cut short and were forced to retire early with reduced benefits due to 9/11 related illnesses.
Matt Krug, Environmental Conservation Officers Director for PBANYS, concluded, “Our members honor all who rose to the challenges of 9/11 regardless of whether they wore a uniform or not. We ask that you join us in remembering and honoring those who lost their lives, health, and livelihood on that day and in the years that followed. May we never forget the lessons learned through tragedy and the community we can become if we look past our differences and embrace the shared roots of our humanity.”
Encon Officers lead the law enforcement torch run for the Special Olympics in Plattsburgh
North Country law enforcement officers carry the banner for the cause of Special Olympians
Special Olympians welcome area law enforcement officers for the North Country Torch Run
Special Olympians show their appreciation to law enforcement runners and encourage them on
Photo Credits: Joey Lafranca, Champlain Valley Educational Services
ABOUT the PBA of New York State: Established in 2011, the Police Benevolent Association of New York State (PBA of New York State), is a law enforcement labor union representing the interests of approximately 1,100 members of the New York State Agency Police Services Unit (APSU). The PBA of New York State is the exclusive bargaining agent for the New York State University (SUNY) Police, the New York State Environmental Conservation Police, the New York State Park Police, and the New York State Forest Rangers. Our members police and protect New York State’s public universities and colleges; state parks and historic sites; and they enforce state laws and protect our lands and forests and ensure environmental safety and quality throughout the state.
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