United States Drug Enforcement Administration

NEW YORK CITY - On Monday, December 5, 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Division dedicated a memorial to DEA New York Drug Enforcement Task Force Officers who have lost their lives from illness or disease caused by their work at Ground Zero after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.  This new memorial consists of a bronzed flag engraved with the seven names of DEA Task Force Officers who were assigned to the DEA’s New York Drug Enforcement Task Force:

• New York State Police Senior Investigator Thomas G. Moran, Jr. - July 22, 2012 – Cornwell, NY
• New York City Police Department Detective Traci L. Tack-Czajkowski - January 15, 2013 – Dix Hills, NY.
• New York City State Police Investigator Paul R. Stuewer - October 5, 2016 – Poughkeepsie, NY
• New York City Police Department Detective Mark Mkwanazi - February 16, 2017 – West Hempstead, NY
• New York City Police Department Sergeant Robert P. Masci - June 9, 2018 – Smithtown, NY
• New York City Police Department Detective Thomas J. Barnitt - June 11, 2018 – Campbell Hall, NY
• New York City Police Department Detective Terence P. Mulvey - December 1, 2021 – Bronx, NY           

Special Agent in Charge of the New York Division Frank Tarentino III held a private dedication attended by family members of the Task Force Officers, New York City Police Department Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell, New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli, and DEA Chief of Operations Raymond Donovan, as well as numerous past colleagues of the fallen Task Force Officers. 

Also, in attendance: United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York Carla Freedman, Special Prosecutor for the City of New York Bridget Brennan, DEA Special Agent in Charge of the New Jersey Field Division Susan A. Gibson, NYPD First Deputy Commissioner Edward A. Caban and NYPD Assistant Chief Christopher J. McCormack.

“September 11, 2001 was a tragic day that will forever stay with us. That day, these brave Task Force Officers did what heroes always do. They ran towards the danger, without hesitation. They ran towards a danger that no one could comprehend at the time, they forged ahead in the passing days and weeks with search and recovery efforts," said Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino III.  "In the years and decades that followed their selfless service, each continued to fight with dignity and grace, and led by example. Today’s dedication of New York Division’s 9/11 Memorial represents our promise to the families of our fallen heroes, that we will never forget these Task Force Officers, or their sacrifice.”

“The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, impacted our nation in immeasurable ways, and their reverberations are still felt today,” said NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell. “The painful losses we suffered on that day continue to mount, but through it all we are humbled by the quiet courage and selfless resolve of our first responders and their loved ones. This memorial tells a solemn, moving story – and the heroes it enshrines are in our hearts and thoughts forever. Thank you to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration for providing this sacred space, and thank you to all of our 9/11 line-of-duty families whose strength inspires us each day.”

New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli said, “This memorial represents our commitment to never forget the heroic sacrifice made by those who lost their lives as a result of their work at Ground Zero following the terrorist attacks of 9/11. We honor their courage, bravery, and fighting spirit, and we will make sure their legacy lives on. I want to commend the DEA for their creating this significant memorial to our lost men and women, and for their continued partnership.”

The September 11th memorial will become part of the DEA New York Division’s Hall of Honor, and will forever honor the dedicated men and women who sacrificed so much, for so many. The Hall of Honor consists of DEA’s Wall of Honor, a memorial to all of DEA’s fallen heroes, as well as special dedications to those members of the New York Division who gave their lives in pursuit of DEA’s Mission.

                                                           ###