Memorial run held for Bronx NYPD officer

<p>Bronx residents honored the life of a police officer who died from a rare form of blood cancer believed to be a result of the time he spent at Ground Zero after Sept. 11.</p>

News 12 Staff

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Sep 23, 2017, 5:13 PM

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Updated 2,691 days ago

Bronx residents honored the life of a police officer who died from a rare form of blood cancer believed to be a result of the time he spent at Ground Zero after Sept. 11.

A memorial run was held on Randall Avenue for Steven Bonano, who served as commander of the NYPD's elite Emergency Service Unit.

Bonano died two years ago at the age of 53 and had more than 30 years on the job.

Dozens of family, friends, community members and fellow police officers participated in the third annual run.

The Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club helped host the event. Deputy Chief Bonano was a big part of the club and loved to play sports there.

Proceeds from the run will be donated to the club's swimming team in Bonano's name.

"He served the Bronx community so we felt that it was really important to memorialize him," says JayneMarie Angbah, of the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club.

Bonano received some of the NYPD's highest honors including the Police Combat Cross.

More than 900 first responders have died from illnesses blamed on the time they spent at Ground Zero after the Sept. 11 terror attacks, according to published reports.