In honor of September 11, the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) honored Conan Freud, a former fleet chief who passed away earlier this summer after a battle with 9/11-related cancer.

Freud served the city in various roles for more than 30 years, including time as both deputy commissioner and fleet chief of the Department of Transportation (DOT). While working for DOT, he helped organize the department’s response efforts in the 9/11 recovery area. According to DCAS, he initially worked in the recovery area out of his own recognizance to support the emergency responders.

Over the years, Freud also worked for the city’s Office of Management and Budget and Taxi & Limousine Commission. He also served as Vice President of Hunter College, a city university, where he saw the impact education truly had on someone.