Joy Emeh
Updated on: October 9, 2024 2:22 pm GMT
More FDNY Members Have Died from 9/11-Related Illnesses than on the Day of the Attack
September 11, 2023, marks a somber milestone in the aftermath of the September 11 terror attacks, as health-related fatalities among the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) continue to rise. Official reports now indicate that over 360 FDNY members have succumbed to illnesses associated with the toxic exposure they experienced at Ground Zero, surpassing the 343 firefighters who died on that tragic day.
Staggering Statistics on 9/11-Related Illnesses
The toll of 9/11 has extended far beyond the immediate devastation of the attacks. Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker emphasized the ongoing impact: “Those insurmountable losses did not end at the World Trade Center site,” he stated during a recent press briefing. Since the attacks, the FDNY has reported a significant rise in health issues linked to the rescue and recovery efforts, with at least 28 members dying from related ailments since last year alone.
A memorial honoring the heroes lost on and after September 11.
Persistent Health Battles for First Responders
The impact of the toxic environment at Ground Zero has led to a troubling trend in health diagnoses among firefighters. Lt. Jim Brosi, president of the FDNY Uniformed Fire Officers Association, highlighted the tragic case of a firefighter who was active and healthy less than a year prior to his death from a terminal cancer diagnosis. Brosi lamented, “Just because you’re alive doesn’t mean you’re living. These people are suffering every day, just trying to stay alive.”
The Push for Permanent Funding
As more firefighters and survivors face long-term health effects from their service, a bipartisan group of legislators is advocating for the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2024. This legislation aims to secure permanent funding for the World Trade Center Health Program, addressing a recurring issue where Congress must pass emergency funding measures.
Congressmember Dan Goldman, a co-sponsor of the bill, underscored its significance: “This bill would mean that we would not have to keep doing this every year or every couple of years.” With projections indicating a funding shortfall as soon as 2028, Goldman and other advocates are determined to secure a more sustainable solution for the first responders who risked their lives on that fateful day.
Unidentified Victims and Ongoing Remembrance
The devastation of 9/11 remains evident, with around 1,103 victims—approximately 40% of those killed—still formally unidentified. The last identification of remains took place in January, illustrating the lingering effects of the attacks. The National September 11 Memorial & Museum’s annual ceremony, held to honor the victims, serves as a poignant reminder of the lives forever changed by the tragedy.
“We know our members keep getting sick. It’s not stopping,” said Andrew Ansbro, president of the FDNY Uniformed Firefighters Association. The memorial wall dedicated to FDNY members who have died from World Trade Center-related illnesses is half blank, reflecting the growing number of names added each year. “Someday, we will reach that,” Ansbro added, expressing the hope that 9/11 would not claim more lives.
Finding Hope Amidst Tragedy
Amid the sorrow and loss, the FDNY community is focused on pushing for necessary funding and support. The urgent need for permanent financial support reflects a broader commitment to honor the sacrifices of first responders and ensure they receive the medical care they need. As the nation approaches the 23rd anniversary of September 11, the call for action remains clear and resolute.
Those interested in supporting the ongoing efforts can contact their local representatives to advocate for funding to ensure that the heroes of 9/11 receive the care and resources they deserve. The fight for their health and well-being continues, a testament to resilience and collective responsibility.
Continued Vigilance and Commemoration
Moving forward, it’s crucial for the public and lawmakers alike to remember the ongoing struggle that firefighters face due to exposure at Ground Zero. As they strive for permanent legislative solutions and funding, it’s vital that the sacrifices made are neither forgotten nor unappreciated.
Monitor the Health of First Responders
The World Trade Center Health Program currently monitors the health of over 132,000 first responders and survivors. The program aims to address the long-term health effects associated with 9/11, ensuring that those affected receive comprehensive care and support. It is clear that the legacy of September 11 is enduring, and the community continues to gather strength from solidarity and remembrance.
For more information about health resources for people who helped during and after 9/11, check out the CDC’s September 11 program.
