It is with deep sadness that Superintendent Steven G. James announces the line of duty death of retired Sergeant Michael L. Piro at the age of 63.
Sergeant Piro passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, from an illness stemming from his assignment in and around the World Trade Center site following the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. Sergeant Piro is the 39th member of the New York State Police who has died from an illness resulting from the 9/11 attacks.
Sergeant Piro retired from the New York State Police on March 26, 2015, after 29 years of dedicated service. He was last assigned to Troop L SP-Riverside.
Sergeant Piro is survived by his four children, Melissa, Jennifer, Michael, and Joseph, and was preceded in death by his wife Cynthia.
Arrangements for Sergeant Piro are as follows:
Calling hours:
Friday, January 9, 2026
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home
336 Marcy Avenue
Riverhead, NY 11901
Funeral:
Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM
Saint Isidore Roman Catholic Church
622 Pulaski Street
Riverhead, NY 11901