Family and friends gathered at a funeral Saturday to honor a fallen Nassau County police detective who also responded to ground zero after the 9/11 attacks.

The funeral for Detective Erick Contreras was held outside of the First Baptist Cathedral of Westbury. His relatives say he died from cancer, and they believe that cancer was related to his work during 9/11.

Contreras’ younger sister, Sharon, says the diagnosis came over the summer but her brother didn't tell anyone.

Contreras grew up in Uniondale and was one of 10 siblings. He was a 26-year veteran of the Nassau County Police Department, working in the narcotics unit, dignitary protection and recently with the District Attorney's office.

He worked on money laundering and racketeering cases. As a tribute to his tireless work with the department, Contreras was posthumously promoted to Detective First Grade.

Contreras graduated from Uniondale High School then later from SUNY Empire State College.