Memorial service honors FBI agent who died from cancer as a result from work during Sept. 11 attack

WOODBRIDGE, Va. - The Sept. 11 attacks is a day that is still etched in many people's memories. Thousands of people died that day, including many first responders. For those who survived, some suffered illnesses and medical complications.

On Friday, a memorial service was held for an FBI special agent who died from cancer linked to his work during the rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center following the terrorist attack nearly 17 years ago.

FBI Director Christopher Wray described Special Agent in Charge David LeValley as a good man of the greatest faith. LeValley died on May 26 and was laid to rest at Quantico National Cemetery in Virginia.

LeValley was described as cool, calm and collected - that sentiment was echoed as those who knew him best said their final farewell to him. Law enforcement from near and far came to remember one of their own at Hylton Memorial Chapel in Woodbridge.

"He was an outstanding citizen," said family friend John Rakshys. "He did all he could. He was there for 9/11 and he helped as many citizens as possible."

LeValley was remembered with full honors for making the ultimate sacrifice.

His friend and colleague, Thomas O'Connor, described LeValley as a man who inspired, united and served.

"I spoke to Dave two weeks ago related to the World Trade Center Health Monitoring Program and Dave LeValley, as it's been said many times here today, was the kind of guy that just took care of people," said O'Connor, who is president of the FBI Agents Association. "The sheriff from Loudoun County came up to me and said he was a police officer in the same community as Dave was and they had a bond. He was the kind of guy that just showed up at scenes or went to meetings to plan and instantly made friends and that cooperation followed through to the work that we do."

LeValley is one of more than a dozen FBI agents who have lost their life due to cancer or illnesses related to 9/11. Many continue to battle illnesses nearly two decades after the terrorist attack.

"LeValley gave his life for the people of the United States," O'Connor said. "On 9/11, he ran towards danger like countless other police officers, firefighters and FBI agents."

"A good man who gave his all for his country, and for the people he served," Wray said in remarks earlier this month. "A man who exemplified the highest and best qualities of faith, hope, and love."

"I think his family would want people to know Dave LeValley gave his life for this country," said O'Connor. "He was a Marine, a police officer, he was an FBI agent. And on 9/11, he ran toward danger and because of that, he gave his life for that."

LeValley recently served as the special agent in charge of the FBI's Atlanta Division since Nov. 2016. He previously served as the special agent in charge of the Criminal and Cyber Division at the Washington Field Office.

He leaves behind his parents, siblings, wife and three children.