A deputy chief with the New York City Police Department succumbed to complications related to 9/11-related brain cancer Monday night.
NYPD Deputy Chief James Molloy died at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip on Long Island with his family by his side, according to The New York Daily News.
The 55-year-old led the search efforts at Ground Zero for six months following the attacks on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.
The 35-year veteran of the force leaves behind his wife, Mary, and their daughters Christina and Alexa.
"He was a great husband, the best dad ever, and a role model," Mary told the newspaper. "He was courageous in his career, and he was courageous in fighting the illness."
Just over 2-and-a-half years ago, Molloy began having vision problems and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He underwent what was believed to be successful surgery, but the cancer returned.
Molloy most recently commanded the Queens detectives. Prior to that, he led the Emergency Service Unit.
Molloy's viewing is scheduled for Thursday at Chapey & Sons Funeral Home in East Islip and his funeral will take place Friday at St. Patrick’s Church in Bayshore.
