HOMER, NY (CortacaToday) – The Cortland County community mourns the loss of a long-time public servant.

State Police announced on Friday the death of Trooper Steven Bilodeau, who passed away from an illness linked to his service at the World Trade Center in New York City following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Cortland-born and a graduate of McGraw High School in 1971, Trooper Bilodeau retired in 2010 after 32 years spent entirely in Troop C, with his last assignment at the State Police barracks in Homer.

According to his obituary, Bilodeau was named New York State Trooper of the Year and Lawman of the Year during his career. He was 70 years old.

A celebration of life is set for Thursday, August 29, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Port Watson Mini Conference Center.