According to a report from CNN, the number of first responders who died from 9/11-related illnesses has nearly caught up to the 343 firefighters who died during the terror attack itself.
The Uniformed Firefighters Association stated that 341 Fire Department of New York (FDNY) firefighters, paramedics, and civilian support staff who died from post-9/11 illnesses are now memorialized at the FDNY World Trade Center (WTC) Memorial Wall, which commemorates first responders who died during the attacks as well as those who died from related illnesses in convening years. That number almost equals the 343 New York firefighters who died during the 2001 attacks.
On September 6, the FDNY added 43 names to the memorial, according to a news release.
Exposure to dust and other particles at the WTC has been tied to increased risk of cardiovascular disease among firefighters who responded to the scene. Additionally, respiratory disease and thousands of cancer diagnoses have been linked to the toxic carcinogens released during the attacks.
More than 71,000 people are now enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Registry, a long-term study on the physical and mental health effects of the attacks. In addition to first responders, the attacks have left lasting health impacts on WTC workers who evacuated their workplaces, passersby, area residents, and volunteers who spent time at Ground Zero in the weeks following the attacks.
In a press release, FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said, “As we approach the 22nd anniversary of 9/11, the FDNY continues to feel the impact of that day. Each year, this memorial wall grows as we honor of those who gave their lives in service of others.
“These brave men and women showed up that day, and in the days and months following the attacks to participate in the rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site. We will never forget them.”
Those to be added to the memorial wall are:
Firefighter Dennis J. Komar
EMS Captain Faye Baughman
EMS Lieutenant Gloria Gordon
Lieutenant Baudon C. Malmbeck
Firefighter Russell Feliciano
Dr. Sabina B. Ostolski
EMT Steven Thorsen
Lieutenant Arthur J. Darby
Firefighter Richard C. Toshack
Supervising Fire Marshal James E. Devery
Firefighter Edward V. Hronec
Captain Paul W. Schmalzried
Firefighter Ronald J. Kirchner
Firefighter William M. Hughes
Firefighter Gregg Lawrence
Battalion Chief Joseph A. McKie
Lieutenant James F. McCauley, Jr.
Battalion Chief Stephen J. Geraghty
Firefighter George J. Tripptree
Firefighter Peter A. Chiodo
Firefighter John F. McDonnell
Battalion Chief Brian E. O’Flaherty
Firefighter Michael J. Arriaga
Firefighter Thomas D. Healy
EMT Patricia Scaduto
Lieutenant Michael G. Hance
Lieutenant Donald J. Kelly
Firefighter Thomas J. McDougall
Marine Wiper Bruce Peat
Lieutenant Joseph Brosi
Battalion Chief James J. Hanley
Firefighter Victor A. Cantelmo
Battalion Chief Vincent G. Lyons
Paramedic Peter L. Bushey
Paramedic Paul Daniels
Captain Gary A. Nybro
Firefighter James C. Mager
Firefighter Douglas F. Harkins
Lieutenant Richard Kobbe
Fire Marshal Karl J. Sederholt
Lieutenant James J. Burns II
Firefighter Michael T. Costa
Captain Neil R. Ferro
The inscription on the Memorial Wall reads:
“Dedicated to the memory of those who bravely served this department protecting life and property in the City of New York in the rescue and recovery effort at Manhattan Box 5-5-8087 World Trade Center”
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