FDNY Says First Responder Deaths from 9/11-Related Illnesses Have Now Surpassed Number Killed on Day of Attacks

Mar. 15, 2025

Firefighter on Sept. 11, 2001.Photo:Jose Jimenez/Primera Hora/Getty

Jose Jimenez/Primera Hora/Getty

The New York City Fire Department says the number of its first responders who have died from illnesses related to 9/11 has surpassed the number of FDNY members who died on the day ofthe terrorist attacks.

The announcement was made earlier this month at a solemnceremonyat Department headquarters in Brooklyn to honor the lives lost.

“As we do every year, we will reflect on the 343 members who died that day, and we will be sobered in knowing that those insurmountable losses did not end at the World Trade Center site," said Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker. “Instead, we have seen our members become sick because of time they spent working in the rescue and recovery.”

Firefighters on Sept. 11, 2001.Mario Tama/Getty

Mario Tama/Getty

During the remembrance ceremony on Sept. 4, the FDNY added 32 additional names to the World Trade Center Memorial Wall. In total, there are now 363 members who have died of illnesses related to their work in the rescue and recovery efforts. Twenty-eight of those deaths were over the past year, according to the FDNY Uniformed Firefighters Association.

“Our list of heroes grows each year,” said John Esposito, acting FDNY chief. “In 2001, they knew they had a job to do, and they were selfless in their dedication. They did not think of themselves as they ran toward danger. They upheld the finest traditions of this Department—bravery, honor and call to service.”

Experts stress that cancers and other illnesses tend to show up at much earlier ages for people in the 9/11 community, and they are often more aggressive. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and other advocates are calling for more funding and support for 9/11 first responders through the WTC Health Program.

The program — which enrolls more than 132,000 responders and survivors — offers medical monitoring and treatment for 60 different types of cancer and other conditions, including a myriad of respiratory disorders.

“We owe them a debt and we need to deliver on it,” Schumer said.

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source: people.com