Colleagues Remember Retired NYPD Detective

NEW YORK (CBS 2/1010 WINS) -- The NYPD was remembering a beloved and distinguished detective Monday.

1010 WINS' Mona Rivera reports

Retired detective Kevin Czartoryski passed away Sunday of a lung ailment that he suffered after working at Ground Zero.

"It was a two year battle just trying to take what we get everyday -- normal breathing," Czartoryski's sister, Patricia,said.

She said her brother was hoping to live long enough to see the 9/11 health care bill passed.

"My brother loved New York City he worked hard to keep it safe," Patricia said. "It would be his wish that the Zadroga Bill would be passed so that other responders and people affected by 9/11 could get the financial support that they need as well as the recognition that they're all heroes."

One Republican vote is needed to help bring the bill to the floor in the Senate.

"I'm praying that there's one Republican out there who is hearing this and has a heart," Patricia said.

Before his death, the 46-year-old officer worked in the Office of Deputy Commissioner, Public Information. He also served as a liaison between the Police Department and the City's gay community.

"Everytime somebody dies it's a reminder of that day -- 9/11," Patricia said.

The funeral for Czartoryski was scheduled for Thursday at St. Raphael's Church in Long Island City.