Holly MatkinDerby, CT – Retired Connecticut State Police (CSP) Trooper First Class Eugene Kenneth Baron died in the line of duty on May 25, following a battle with cancer that developed after his service at the World Trade Center terrorist attacks on Sep. 11, 2001.
The 56-year-old retired trooper was one of many CSP Traffic Services Unit troopers who “responded to the World Trade Center immediately following the attacks to search for possible survivors,” the CSP said in a statement to WTIC.
Trooper Baron also served as a liaison to Connecticut families in the wake of the terrorist attacks.
“Our condolences and prayers go to the Baron family at this time,” Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner James Rovella told WTIC.
“Trooper Baron contracted cancer while doing a job that he loved. His first concern on September 11, 2001, was to help people affected by the terrorist attacks,” Commissioner Rovella said. “He was always a Trooper at heart and he will be greatly missed.”
Trooper Baron graduated from the Connecticut State Police Training Academy in April of 1990, and went on to serve the CSP for 18 years before he retired with a partial disability in 2007 due to his cancer diagnosis, the Connecticut Post reported.
“He served this agency proudly and was a vital member of the State Police team,” CSP Colonel Stavros Mellekas told WTIC. “Trooper Baron was a well-respected member of our agency, but he was also the son of a Trooper and a father of three. His life was cut short due to his service to others, a legacy that will never be forgotten.”
In addition to his children, Trooper Baron also leaves behind his partner and her two children, as well as his parents and his sisters, WTIC reported.
Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti said that Trooper Baron “was a very intelligent man and very devoted to law enforcement,” the Connecticut Post reported.
“His father worked with my father on the Ansonia police before he joined the state police,” Cassetti added. “Gene followed his father there.”
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont ordered that all U.S. and state flags be flown at half-staff in honor of Trooper Baron’s service, the Connecticut Post reported.
“Trooper Baron is a hero who not only dedicated his career to protecting the people of Connecticut, but he did not hesitate when called to respond to one of the worst attacks in our nation’s history,” Lamont said. “He embodies the definition of public service and what it means to lead a career with integrity, respect, and generosity.”
Trooper Baron was laid to rest on May 30.
As a mark of solemn respect and remembrance in honor of @CT_STATE_POLICE Trooper First Class Eugene Kenneth Baron, Jr., who passed away yesterday from injuries and exposure in the line of duty, I am directing flags in Connecticut lowered to half-staff. https://t.co/pTUzeGaY8l pic.twitter.com/Ih68VxxwpD
— Governor Ned Lamont (@GovNedLamont) May 26, 2020
Let us not forget our heroes who gave all. 🙏♥️
"Trooper First Class Eugene Baron died as the result of cancer contracted while assisting with rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site" pic.twitter.com/lSTTUIpBnr
— America is back! (@nancylee2016) May 30, 2020
Blessed Are The Peacemakers
Trooper First Class Eugene Kenneth Baron, Jr.
Connecticut State Police, Connecticut
EOW: Monday, May 25, 2020#EnoughIsEnough #OfficerDown #EOW #ThinBlueLine pic.twitter.com/89gE8a6PH2
— National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) (@GLFOP) May 29, 2020
This morning the CSP Honor Guard participated in funeral services for Retired Trooper First Class Eugene K. Baron Jr.
On 9/11 he was assigned to the Traffic Services Unit & responded to Ground Zero. Sadly, he contracted cancer & ultimately succumbed to the illness on 5/25/20. pic.twitter.com/oTCEV0WEBK
— Connecticut State Police Recruitment & Selections (@RecruitmentCSP) May 31, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Retired Connecticut State Police Trooper First Class Eugene Kenneth Baron, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
