Trooper Joseph J. Mecca, Jr., 62, died on December 2, 2020, as a result of cancer stemming from his assignment to the World Trade Center site following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. 

After the events of 9/11, Trooper Mecca was assigned to aid with the search and recovery efforts in New York City as part of the New York State Police Detail. 

Trooper Mecca entered the State Police on September 30, 1985 and served for 21 years until he retired on December 15, 2006.

Trooper Mecca is survived by his wife.