A special honor for the family of a fallen 9/11 first responder from Oceanside.

The family of NYPD Detective Lou Alvarez has been given the key to New York City.

Alvarez died of 9/11-related cancer earlier this summer.

Just weeks before his death, he testified before Congress, arguing for permanent funding for the Victims Compensation Fund.

Fellow advocate and friend Jon Stewart said Alvarez always thought of others before himself.

"Before any of us knew of Lou Alvarez and of his heroics on television, this guy was saving lives on Facebook telling his buddies they get checked out," said Stewart.

Detective Alvarez's friend, city firefighter Ray Pfeifer, of Hicksville, was also posthumously awarded the key to the city.