Officer William James Leahy died Thursday of cancer that he developed following his assignment to the search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, reports ODMP.org . He had served with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department for 27 years, most recently in the plainclothes unit at John F. Kennedy Airport.
Leahy was a straight-up, "John Wayne type of guy" who was also caring, funny and loyal, family and friends said, reports Newsday . "He was rough and tough but had the biggest heart around," said his father, also named William Leahy. "The day he became a police officer, we were so proud. We couldn't be prouder."
