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Town hero dies due to 9/11-related cancer

9-11 Hero
Court Cousins receiving a Key to the Town (Photo from the Town of Oyster Bay)

Court Cousins, a volunteer firefighter from Syosset who played a critical role in helping Americans in the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, died at 54 due to cancer. His illness was related to his recovery efforts and volunteer service at the World trade Center.

The Syosset Volunteer Fire Department announced his line-of-duty death on Thursday, Aug. 1.

“Court, a lifelong resident and prominent community figure in Syosset, will be missed dearly,” the department wrote on its Facebook page.

Cousins served as a volunteer firefighter for 26 years. In addition to his volunteer service, He was a paramedic and co-president of the North Syosset Civic Association. He previously served as PTA co-president and Little League baseball coach.

On Monday, July 23, Cousins was honored by the Town of Oyster Bay for his recovery efforts.

“Court Cousins is a heroic first responder who worked tirelessly throughout his life to answer the call of helping others,” Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino said in a press release. “From serving the Syosset community as a firefighter and paramedic to recovery efforts at the World Trade Center, Court gave back to help his fellow Americans when they needed him the most. We remain forever grateful for his first responder and community leader service.”

Oyster Bay officials gathered to present Cousins with a key to the town. The day was proclaimed “Court Cousins Day.”

Friends, family and fellow firefighters attended the funeral mass on Saturday, Aug. 3 at St. Edwards the Confessor Church in Syosset.