Flags at Half-Staff for N.Y. Trooper who Died of 9/11-Related Illness
By Geoff Herbert
Source syracuse.com
What to know
- New York Gov. Kathy Hochul ordered flags in the state to be lowered to half-staff in honor of New York State Police retired First Sergeant Michael E. Snell, who died from an illness linked to his service at ground zero after 9/11.
- Snell served with the agency for 23 years and is survived by his wife and four children.
- His funeral will take place in Potsdam, with a large procession expected, and schools will dismiss early due to road closures.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has directed all flags in New York state to be lowered to half-staff Thursday in honor of a late NYS trooper.
New York State Police retired First Sergeant Michael E. Snell died May 20 at age 56. The cause of death was an illness related to his assignment in and around the World Trade Center site following the 9/11 terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
“First Sergeant Snell honorably served the people of New York State for 23 years, making the ultimate sacrifice for his fellow New Yorkers when it mattered the most,” Hochul said. “On behalf of New York State, I extend my deepest gratitude for First Sergeant Snell’s contribution to the protection of our state, and send my heartfelt condolences to his family.”
Snell, who retired in 2023, is survived by his wife, Tammy Snell, and their four children: Wyatt, Ashton, Harrison and Lawson.
Funeral services are set for Thursday in the Upstate New York village of Potsdam. North Country Now reports schools will have early dismissal due to road closures and a procession that’s expected to involve several hundred vehicles.
Calling hours were held Wednesday at the Parishville Center Apple Orchard in Potsdam, according to WWNY. A private burial will follow Thursday’s service.
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