By Thomas Tracy New York Daily News
An NYPD sergeant suffering from Stage 4 lung cancer family members claim he contracted while working at Ground Zero has died, authorities said Saturday.
Sgt. Paul Ferrara, who’s [sic] last posting was the 110th Precinct in Elmhurst, succumbed to his illness on Friday.
“Our thoughts & prayers are with the family of Sgt. Paul Ferrara & everyone at the @NYPD 110Pct.,” Police Commissioner Bill Bratton wrote on Twitter Saturday. “He will be missed by all at the NYPD.”
Local firefighters helped drape black bunting across the entrance of the 110th Precinct stationhouse Friday, Deputy Inspector Ronald Leyson tweeted. A priest from nearby St. Barts [sic] Church also came by to hold a prayer vigil.
Ferrara was a 22-year veteran of the department. He was married and had a son, colleagues said.
He started in the 81st Precinct in Brooklyn and transferred to the 110th Precinct in Elmhurst after he was promoted to sergeant in 2006.
His illness traces back to his time at Ground Zero after the September 11, 2001, terror attacks, family members said.
Ferrara’s brothers in blue rallied behind him once he became ill and participated in several “10-13” fundraisers — radio code for an officer needing help.
His colleagues in the 113th Precinct even shaved their heads to show support and raise funds for Ferrara, who lost his hair during his many chemotherapy treatments, cops said.
