Conn. trooper dies of 9/11-related cancer

By Tara O’Neill
Connecticut Post, Bridgeport, Conn.

NORWALK, Conn. — Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has ordered U.S. and state flags in Connecticut be lowered to half-staff in honor of a state police trooper from Norwalk who died Thursday.

Trooper First Class Walter Greene died following, “a courageous battle with cancer as the result of his response and service in support of New York City in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001,” Malloy’s office said in a statement.

Greene was a member of the 101st training troop and was most recently assigned to the Traffic Services Unit of Connecticut State Police.

“Our hearts are with the family of Trooper First Class Walter Greene — a man who dedicated his life’s work to protecting the people of Connecticut and our country,” Malloy said. “He is a hero and passionately served our nation in the Marine Corps before joining the Connecticut State Police.”

Greene joined state place on June 1, 1990. He was initially assigned to Troop A in Southbury, followed by Troop G in Bridgeport. After, he moved over to the Statewide Cooperative Crime Control Task Force before serving a majority of the latter part of his career in TSU.

State Sen. Bob Duff, D-Norwalk, said on Facebook late Thursday that Greene lived in Norwalk, and asked that people keep the trooper and his family in their prayers.

“A wonderful man, he was the salt of the earth, a consummate professional and a hero who was taken way too soon,” Duff wrote. “A Norwalk resident who went to ground zero after the September 11th attacks, Trooper Greene was a true public servant. His sense of duty and bravery during that dangerous time ultimately cost him his life.

“We wish Trooper Greene and his family peace and we are grateful for his service and the opportunity to have met such a fine person.”

Flags will remain at half-staff until further notice. A notice will be issued when the flags can be returned to full-staff.

©2018 the Connecticut Post (Bridgeport, Conn.)