Police Officer Robert Helmke died of cancer he contracted after inhaling toxic chemicals and materials while working hundreds of hours at Ground Zero, the site of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Officer Helmke was a U.S Air Force veteran serving 7 years at Offutt Air Force Base in the 544 Strategic Intelligence Wing.
He served with the New York City Police Department for 12 years and with the U.S. Immigration Service at JFK Airport for 5 years.
You walked into it and it took years to finish the job.
Police Officer Helmke gave the New York City Police Department 17 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Helmke.
S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Survived by
He was assigned to the Medical Division and is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.