New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton and Division of Law Enforcement Director Karen Przyklek are saddened to announce the passing of retired Environmental Conservation Police Officer (ECO) Ronald J. Bosela. 

ECO Bosela died February 27, 2026, at the age of 78, from an illness related to his assignment at the World Trade Center following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Officer Bosela was assigned to Ground Zero, the North Tower, following the attacks. He monitored National Guard activities and assisted with moving the command post from Ground Zero to the piers along the Hudson River, which played a vital role in the attack’s immediate aftermath. 

“On September 11, one of America’s darkest days, ECO Bosela was among an elite group of heroes who ran towards danger, chaos, and uncertainty while our nation processed the unthinkable evil and loss of life that truly rocked us to our core,” Commissioner Lefton said. “He put the safety of New Yorkers and his country ahead of his own and played a critical role in establishing order and protecting others on an awful day in our state and country’s history. On behalf of the entire DEC family, and his fellow Environmental Conservation Police Officers, I offer my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of ECO Bosela.” 

Division of Law Enforcement Director Karen Przyklek said, “The devastation of the 9/11 attacks still lingers today for the families of the thousands of Americans who lost their lives during the attacks and the loved ones of the heroes who are still succumbing to illnesses from keeping us safe on that day and the days that followed. I continue to be in awe of the strength and bravery of ECO Bosela and others like him who paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. I speak for DEC’s entire Division of Law Enforcement in saying we will never forget their courage and unselfish sense of duty, and we extend so much appreciation and gratitude to the Bosela family at this difficult time.” 

Bosela graduated from the ECO Training Academy in March 1988 and served with the Division until he retired in 2008. He was appointed the first ever “River Cop,” patrolling the Hudson River in the Hudson Valley before ending his career in his hometown of Clarence. Before joining DEC, Bosela served in the U.S. Navy and was trained as an Air Traffic Control Specialist. He was later hired by the Federal Aviation Administration as an Air Traffic Controller and worked at Buffalo, Syracuse Hancock, and Niagara Falls International Airports. Bosela graduated from the University at Buffalo with a bachelor of science in Criminal Justice, launching his career with DEC. Officer Bosela is survived by his wife, Georgette, and sons Brian and John, grandchildren Trevor and Hannah, nieces, nephews, and other beloved family members. 

Funeral services details are available here.