Former New York City policeman Luis Alvarez died Saturday as a result of colorectal cancer, less than a month after joining Jon Stewart to lobby for more funds to care for 9/11 first-responders.
Alvarez, 53, appeared gaunt but in good spirits, smiling alongside the former Comedy Central host at a congressional hearing, where the men sought to shame lawmakers for foot-dragging.
The former detective spent three months working in the toxic debris zone left by the Twin Towers and his cancer reportedly was linked to his work there.
Alvarez, who has two teenage daughters, died in hospice care three years after his diagnosis. He was at peace and surrounded by family, a statement posted to Facebook said.
Tributes quickly began to pour in, including from James O’Neill, commissioner of the New York City Police Department.
Our NYPD family & all 1st responders mourn as we remember retired NYPD Bomb Squad Det. Luis Alvarez, who passed this morning. His strength — physical, mental & emotional — led us all, & we vow to #NeverForget him or his legacy — which was, simply, to have others do what’s right. pic.twitter.com/cwpsMQO2Sw
— Commissioner O’Neill (@NYPDONeill) June 29, 2019
Before the House Judiciary Committee, Alvarez chastised congressmen for not moving more quickly on adding to the $7.3 billion September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, which is projected to run out of money at the end of 2020.
“You made me come here the day before my 69th round of chemo. I’m going to make sure that you never forget to take care of the 9/11 responders,” he said.
In a subsequent interview on Fox News, Alvarez said that his healthcare was well-covered but that others were not so fortunate.
“I’m lucky to have the healthcare that I’ve got, but there are guys out there who don’t have it. In terms of going through the stress of fighting cancer, they’re also fighting the financial stress of the health care,” he said.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has agreed to allow a vote on legislation adding money to the fund, indicating it’s likely to pass.
