FDNY's 9/11-related illness deaths match those killed on September 11th

The number of City of New York Fire Department (FDNY) workers who have died from World Trade Center-related illnesses has reached 343, equaling the number of responders killed on September 11, 2001. Two recent deaths, EMT Hilda Vannata and retired firefighter Robert Fulco, brought the total to this somber milestone. An estimated 11,000 FDNY first responders suffer from World Trade Center-related diseases, including 3,500 diagnosed with cancer. The cleanup effort after the attacks exposed thousands to toxic fumes, smoke, and chemicals, leading to elevated cancer risks among rescue and recovery workers.