Barasch & McGarry Honors the Fourth Anniversary of 9/11 Hero Detective Luis Alvarez’s Passing

Today, we honor the extraordinary legacy of NYPD Detective Luis G. Alvarez, a 9/11 hero whose testimony persuaded Congress to establish permanent compensation benefits for 9/11 victims and their families, on the fourth anniversary of his passing.

Detective Alvarez, who appeared before Congress with comedian and 9/11 advocate Jon Stewart, died only 18 days later, of colorectal cancer he developed as a result of his exposure to Ground Zero toxins at the World Trade Center site, where he worked with search-and-rescue teams for three months after the terrorist attacks.

In his testimony, Detective Alvarez called on Congress to honor its promise to “never forget” the 9/11 community members whose contributions to the recovery of New York City were invaluable.

“I will not stand by and watch as my friends with cancer from 9/11 like me are valued less than anyone else because of when they get sick,” he said. “I’m going to make sure that you never forget to take care of the 9/11 responders.”

Alvarez, a native of Havana, Cuba, graduated from Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School, East Elmhurst, Queens, before joining the Marines.

He became a member of the New York City Police Department in 1990, and quickly advanced through the ranks – becoming a detective in 1995 and later working undercover.

Detective Alvarez was recognized on multiple occasions for his exemplary work with the NYPD before retiring in 2010.