Trooper Wayne B. Monkelbaan became a Member of the New York State Police on October 19, 1981. He entered into a Service retirement from the New York State Police after 22 years of service on June 29, 2004. On October 2, 2025, he died as a result of lung cancer stemming from his assignment to the World Trade Center site, following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. In response to the events of 9/11, Trooper Monkelbaan was assigned to aid with the search and recovery efforts in New York City, as part of the New York State Police Detail.
Trooper Monkelbaan is survived by his wife and daughter.