Duty Death: James Molloy - [New York]
End of Service: 30/01/2017
By Police1 Staff
NEW YORK — An NYPD deputy chief died Monday after a long battle with brain cancer.
Deputy Chief James Molloy, 55, died at a local hospital surrounded by his family Monday night, the NY Daily News reported. Molloy led search efforts at Ground Zero for six months following the terror attacks.
“Deputy Chief Molloy is as courageous a guy as you can find,” Roy Richter, head of the Captains Endowment Association, said. “He led search efforts tirelessly at Ground Zero. His dry wit and get-it-done attitude can always be counted upon to effectively respond to constant dangers he and his command faced. All in the department who knew or worked with him held Jim in the highest regard.”
https://twitter.com/NYPDSpecialops/status/826435074556059648
On Sept. 11, 2001, Molloy was driving to work when he was stopped in the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel by authorities as the towers fell, the publication reported. Molloy’s wife said he went straight to Ground Zero to work, still covered in dust.
Just over two years ago, Molloy began having vision problems and doctors discovered a brain tumor. Doctors performed surgery, and it appeared to be successful, but his cancer later returned.
In 1989, at age 28, he became the youngest captain in the NYPD. He commanded the same precinct his grandfather had in the ‘30s, according to the publication.
“Being a cop wasn’t just an occupation for him,” his brother, John Molloy, said. “He was completely devoted to his work and his family. Many a night, he would get a call in the middle of the night. He was committed 100 percent.”
Molloy is survived by his wife and two daughters.