EDEN, N.Y. – Law enforcement paid their respects on Wednesday to retired New York State Trooper Mark Ondus. The Western New York trooper died from an illness stemming from his assignment at the World Trade Center site following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Ondus died earlier this month at age 56. Flags across the state were flown at half-staff on Wednesday in his honor. At the funeral at a church in Eden, Erie County, his fellow troopers spoke about his character.
“Mark was a hard worker, honest, family man, loved the state police,” State Police Captain Kevin Wiles said. “He was always, like the superintendent said, around, willing to help. You know, was well versed and knowledgeable about the area and it’s people. You know, it was a big loss.”…