Deputy U.S. Marshal Loses Cancer Battle Resulting from 9/11 Attacks on World Trade Center

Washington – Deputy U.S. Marshal Zacarias Toro lost his long and valiant battle with cancer June 14 while surrounded by his family in New York. Deputy Toro’s cancer resulted directly from exposures while responding to the World Trade Center attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, as determined by the World Trade Center Health Program. His passing is considered a line-of-duty death.

“Although Deputy Toro’s death comes almost 14 years after the 9/11 attacks, the Marshals Service collectively mourns his passing,” said Director Stacia A. Hylton. “When a law enforcement officer dies as a result of his duty, it is an immeasurable tragedy felt by all. We committed as a country that “we shall never forget” those we lost and the heroism of those that responded. Our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Toro’s family, friends and colleagues.”

Deputy Toro was the recipient of the U.S. Marshals Service Purple Heart Award. His career began with the USMS as a detention enforcement officer in August 2000 and later promoted to deputy U.S. marshal. He worked in New York, Arizona and California. He is survived by his wife Lorraine; children Zachary, Jeremy, Nicholas and Emily; and his mother.