City of Cortland Holds 9/11 Ceremony – Honors Retired Trooper Steven Bilodeau

The City of Cortland held their annual 9/11 ceremony to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the September 11th attack at the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and in Shanksville Pennsylvania.

The ceremony began at 8:30am with agencies from throughout Cortland County attending the ceremony. Veteran and founder of Veteran’s Search and Rescue Norm Stitzel opened the ceremony by raising the flag and then the national anthem. City of Cortland Fire Department Chaplain Al Ferguson gave an invocation to the crowd. Also speaking was City of Cortland Deputy Mayor Wayne Scutt, who reflected on where he was and his reaction on September 11th, 2001.

This year’s 9/11 ceremony in Cortland honored retired New York State Trooper Steven Bilodeau, who was a longtime Cortland County resident. Trooper Bilodeau passed away in August of this year from complications from an illness stemming from his service at the World Trade Center following the September 11th attacks.

Honor Trooper Bilodeau and speaking about his distinguished career was guest speaker New York State Police Captain Mikhail Wolchetsky of Troop C Zone 3. Captain Wolchetsky who oversees State Police operations in Cortland, Tompkins, and Tioga Counties.

“We gather to honor the life and sacrifice of the retired Trooper Steven Bilodeau along with other fallen State Troopers and first responders. Who selflessly ran into danger on September 11th, 2001.” Captain Wolchetsky said.

Trooper Bilodeau was a long-time resident of Cortland County being born in Cortland and having graduated from McGraw High School back in 1971. He would go to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Bryant College in Rhode Island. In 1978, he joined the New York State Police, serving a total of 32 years before retiring.

Trooper Bilodeau’s career earned him many accomplishments, including the prestigious title of New York State Trooper of the Year and Lawmen of the Year.

“His commitment to duty was unmatched. He loved being a Trooper and always landed a helping hand to his fellow Troopers and Supervisors.” Wolchetsky continued.

Captain Wolchetsky continued on to say Trooper Bilodeau dedicated his work and career for the community he grew up in, even when the opportunity presented itself to go higher in the New York State Police ranks.

When September 11th, 2001 and the terror attacks happened, Trooper Bilodeau didn’t hesitate to go help in New York City and provided selfless service in New York’s darkest hours.

The New York State Police has lost 31 Troopers from illnesses stemming from their dedication and service during the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks at the World Trade Center site.

“Each name represents a hero who answered the call, just as Trooper Bilodeau did. Alongside countless law enforcement officers and emergency personnel who rushed into danger on that fateful day. Let us honor retired State Trooper Bilodeau and all those who served and sacrificed with the same dedication and service.” Captain Wolchetsky said to the crowd.