As we approach the 23rd anniversary of the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the New York City Fire Department is marking a grim milestone. More members of the FDNY lost their lives due to illnesses linked to the attacks than on the day of attacks itself.
In the years following 9/11, many responders suffered from severe health issues as a result of the chemical agents in the dust at ground zero. At this year’s ceremony to honor the fallen firefighters, the FDNY chief medical officer shared the numbers.
More than 500 FDNY responders have respiratory diseases. Over 2,600 have developed cancer since the attacks. The FDNY’s acting chief reflected on the growing number of lives lost in the aftermath of the attack.
“Our list of heroes grows each year,” he said.
The ceremony added 32 more names to the FDNY World Trade Center Memorial Wall, recognizing those who died from illnesses connected of their exposure at ground zero. On 9/11, 343 FDNY responders died in the line of duty.
Since then, 363 more died from diseases related to the toxic conditions back in 2001 during rescue and recovery efforts. As each name was added to the memorial, a bell was rung and the date of their passing recited.
Meanwhile, lawmakers are working to secure stable funding for the World Trade Center Health Program. The program provides care for more than 125,000 survivors and first responders of the attack across the country.
