Two New York City firefighters have recently passed away due to health complications stemming from their service at the World Trade Center site following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Firefighter Thomas Dunn, 53, and Battalion Chief Dennis J. Collopy, 84, both succumbed to illnesses linked to their work at Ground Zero, as announced by the Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA) on X (formerly Twitter).
The UFA shared tributes to both fallen firefighters on social media. On Facebook, colleagues remembered Dunn’s dedication and bravery, recounting how he selflessly aided people at the site on the morning of the attacks. One fellow firefighter, who had worked alongside Dunn on that fateful day, described him as a recent academy graduate who acted with the composure of a seasoned professional, assisting others even as debris continued to fall.
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In a separate post honoring Collopy, the UFA highlighted his 36 years of service with the FDNY and his prior service in the U.S. Army. His obituary described him as a dedicated firefighter and veteran who would be deeply missed.
The devastating long-term health consequences of working at the World Trade Center site were formally recognized in 2010 with the enactment of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. This legislation, named after a first responder who died in 2006 from a respiratory illness attributed to his time at Ground Zero, provides health monitoring and financial assistance to those affected.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that approximately 400,000 people were exposed to hazardous substances, physical injuries, and immense physical and emotional stress in the aftermath of the attacks.
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The CDC acknowledges that responders at Ground Zero reported a variety of illnesses shortly after 9/11, including cancers, respiratory problems, and other serious conditions. On the day of the attacks, 343 firefighters lost their lives. Tragically, the number of firefighters who have since died from 9/11-related illnesses now surpasses the number who perished on that day. In a 2024 statement, then-acting FDNY Chief John Esposito emphasized that the list of heroes continues to grow each year, recognizing the selfless bravery and unwavering dedication of those who responded to the crisis. He praised their courage and commitment to service, upholding the highest traditions of the department.
