Detective Charles Wassil died as a result of illness that he developed while assisting with search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center following the 9/11 terrorist attack.

He was sent to the location immediately following the attacks and remained on scene until September 15th, 2001. While there he was exposed to airborne irritants that led to him to develop sarcoidosis. His condition continued to deteriorate until he passed away on May 1st, 2013.

Detective Wassil was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Peekskill Police Department for 22 years.