Holly MatkinHarlem, NY – New York Police Department (NYPD) Captain Janelle Sanders died in the line of duty on Sept. 11 following a battle against cancer that developed after her service at the World Trade Center terrorist attacks on Sep. 11, 2001.
Capt. Sanders succumbed to her illness on the 21st anniversary of the terrorist attacks, the NYPD Captains Endowment Association said in a tweet that afternoon.
“We will never forget the brave men and women who lost their lives twenty-one years ago on this sad day,” the union said. “Today, we lost active Captain Janelle Sanders due to 9/11 illness. May she rest in peace.”
Capt. Sanders joined the NYPD in March of 2000, according to the New York Daily News.
She rose steadily through the ranks over the decades that followed, culminating with her promotion to the rank of captain in September of 2021.
The 22-year department veteran was serving as the NYPD’s 32nd Precinct executive officer at the time of her death, according to a fundraising page established to help her family in the wake of their loss.
“Janelle was truly a light in this world,” the page read.
Capt. Sanders leaves behind her two young daughters, as well as her dog, Hunter, and her loving family.
Donors have contributed more than $23,000 to the effort so far.
The NYPD 32nd Precinct held a vigil for Capt. Sanders on the day of her death, according to the New York Amsterdam News.
NYPD Chaplain Robert Rice said she will be remembered as a “Daughter of Harlem,” according to the news outlet.
Her name was Janelle Sanders, a Police Captain for the NYPD. She died as the result of cancer that she developed following her assignment to the search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site following the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks. Rest Easy Sister. Prayers sent. pic.twitter.com/N0IG1eTvzl
— John J Wiley (@JohnWil21815218) November 21, 2022
Meet Lieutenant Janelle Sanders. Born & Raised in the Polo Grounds in #Harlem. Joined the NYPD in 2000. With 21 years of experience in Bronx & Manhattan precincts, she is a leader & inspiration for our younger officers. Recognizing our future captain & rising ⭐️ #WHM2021 pic.twitter.com/lPNSCRWTIT
— Chief Kathleen M. O'Reilly (@NYPDHousing) March 15, 2021
Today, as we rendered a final salute to Captain Janelle Sanders, her life was celebrated. Taken from us far too soon, Janelle had a tremendous personality and a heart that matched. She was a beloved mother, daughter, sister, friend — and NYPD leader. We will #NeverForget. pic.twitter.com/v3dX3q30UC
— Commissioner Sewell (@NYPDPC) September 15, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of @NYPD32Pct Captain Janelle Sanders. May God grant her eternal rest. #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/DoInIwIf5z
— NYPD Chaplains Unit (@NYPDchaplains) September 13, 2022
We will #NeverForget @NYPDnews Captain & @NYPD32Pct Executive Officer Janelle Sanders. A warrior who fought cancer hard, she was taken far too soon. We will cherish our memories and hold her family close as we mourn this heavy loss. May she Rest In Peace.
🫡💙🙏 pic.twitter.com/VxFzVNamlR— Edward A. Caban (@NYPDFIRSTDEP) September 15, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of New York Police Department Captain Janelle Sanders, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
