New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos and Division of Law Enforcement Director Karen Przyklek are saddened to announce the line of duty death of retired Environmental Conservation Police Lieutenant David J. McShane. 

On January 22, 2024, Lieutenant McShane passed away from an illness related to his assignment at the World Trade Center following the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. Following the events of 9/11, Lieutenant McShane was assigned to New York City to assist in search and recovery efforts. 

“When America came under attack on 9/11, changing the world as we knew it and crippling us with fear, Lt. McShane put the safety of New Yorkers and his country ahead of his own,” Commissioner Seggos said. “The bravery and courage displayed by him and so many other law enforcement officers and first responders played an integral role in the recovery from one of the most terrible days in our state and country’s history. On behalf of the entire DEC family, and his brother and sister Environmental Conservation Police Officers, I want to express my deepest condolences and gratitude to the family, friends, and colleagues of Lt. McShane.”

Division of Law Enforcement Director Karen Przyklek said, “Much like that terrifying day in 2001 where thousands of Americans lost their lives and millions more were forced to come to grips with an awful new reality, we will never forget Lt. McShane and the ultimate sacrifice he paid for all of us. I personally hold him up as a shining example of leadership, courage, and pride for his unselfish sense of duty. We extend our condolences to the McShane family at this difficult time.”

Lieutenant David J. McShane, 50, entered the Environmental Conservation Police as a member of the 12^th Basic School for Uniformed Officers on Feb. 15, 1999, and served with the DEC Division of Law Enforcement for 22 years. Lieutenant McShane was last assigned to DEC’s Region 7 where he supervised Environmental Conservation Police Officers in Onondaga and Cayuga counties. An illness contracted during his 9/11-related service returned after several years of remission; Lieutenant McShane formally retired on June 26, 2022.

Lieutenant McShane was from Marcellus, Onondaga County. He is survived by his wife and three children. 

Funeral service details are available here.