A former DEC officer from Onondaga County has died from an illness related to his work following 9/11.
The announcement was made Wednesday by DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos and Division of Law Enforcement Director Karen Przyklek that Lieutenant David McShane passed away Monday.
Following the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers, McShane was assigned to New York City to aid in search and recovery efforts.
“When America came under attack on 9/11, changing the world as we knew it and crippling us with fear, Lt. McShane put the safety of New Yorkers and his country ahead of his own,” Commissioner Seggos said. “The bravery and courage displayed by him and so many other law enforcement officers and first responders played an integral role in the recovery from one of the most terrible days in our state and country’s history. On behalf of the entire DEC family, and his brother and sister Environmental Conservation Police Officers, I want to express my deepest condolences and gratitude to the family, friends, and colleagues of Lt. McShane.”
Division of Law Enforcement Director Karen Przyklek said, “Much like that terrifying day in 2001 where thousands of Americans lost their lives and millions more were forced to come to grips with an awful new reality, we will never forget Lt. McShane and the ultimate sacrifice he paid for all of us. I personally hold him up as a shining example of leadership, courage, and pride for his unselfish sense of duty. We extend our condolences to the McShane family at this difficult time.”
The 50-year-old was born in Marcellus and joined the Environmental Conservation Police in 1999 and served with DEC for 22 years. McShane’s final assignment was to DEC Region 7 where he supervised officers in Cayuga and Onondaga Counties. He formally retired in 2022.
McShane is survived by a wife and three children.
