More first responders are dying from 9/11-related illnesses

Photo from Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York/Facebook

Wednesday marks the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people.

As communities hold remembrance ceremonies to honor the lives lost, a grim fact emerges: 9/11-related Illnesses have now killed more members of the New York City Fire Department than were killed on the day of the attack itself.

Within the past 23 years since the horrific attacks, more than 370 have died of 9/11-related illnesses. There were 343 members of the FDNY who died on the day of the attack.

In a Facebook post, the FDNY Uniformed Firefighters Association said there were 28 deaths since last year’s anniversary of 9/11.

“Heartbreakingly, this number now surpasses those we lost on that tragic day in 2001,” they wrote. “Our thoughts are with their families as they continue to grieve.” 

Impact of 9/11-related illnesses

One of the 28 victims was Captain Thomas S. LaBarbiera, who served as a first responder during the rescue and recovery operations at the 9/11 site. Diagnosed with terminal cancer last year, he was laid to rest on Saturday.

Last August, two more FDNY firefighters died from 9/11-related illnesses – retired firefighters John “Burger” Tyrell Jr. and Rob Olsen.

“Rob Olsen, L146, passed away after a courageous battle with ALS,” the  FDNY Uniformed Firefighters Association wrote in a Facebook post. “There’s no doubt his illness stemmed from his work at the World Trade Center.”

The long-lasting impact of the 9/11 toxins has been documented. Analysis of the debris and dust at Ground Zero revealed “numerous toxic substances,” according to CDC. 

First responders and survivors are once again fighting for federal funding as the World Trade Center Health Program providing medical treatment to 9/11 responders is set to expire in 2028.

A bipartisan coalition of elected officials is pushing legislation that would make funding for the World Trade Center Health Program permanent.

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The 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2024 updates an outdated funding formula to prevent a future funding shortfall and ensure that survivors and first responders don’t lose access to care.

On Patriot Day, the nation is set to honor the memory of the 9/11 heroes at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at 8:30 a.m. ET in New York City. 

Commemorative events will also take place across the US, including in Phoenix and Tampa Bay.