Three more retired members of the New York City Fire Department lost their battle with cancer this week, illnesses that were linked to their time at the World Trade Center site in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
Firefighter Daniel Heglund from Rescue 4 in the Woodside section of Queens was on the job 21 years.
Robert Leaver was a member of Engine 202 in Red Hook. He served 20 years.
Lieutenant Howard Bischoff was a fire officer for 19 years. He was with Ladder 149 in Dyker Heights.
In the aftermath of the attacks, all three men were exposed to toxins.
They retired in 2003, and on Monday, they succumbed to their illnesses on the same day.
In a statement, Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said, “Losing three firefighters on the same day to WTC-related illnesses is a painful reminder that, 13 years later, we continue to pay a terrible price for the Department’s heroic efforts on September 11th.”
News of the three deaths comes as advocates are pushing for the reauthorization of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.
The Act, which was passed by Congress in 2010, helps to ensure proper monitoring and treatment for first responders and survivors who face potential life-threatening health effects as a result of the attacks.
The firefighters unions say more than 850 firefighters and ambulance workers are battling World Trade Center-related cancers, and according to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s office, more than 30,000 people are currently receiving treatment through the WTC Health Program.
The sick are being treated for various respiratory illnesses and chronic diseases, including asthma.
Studies also show that September 11th workers have gotten certain cancers, such as prostate cancer and leukemia, at a significantly higher rate than the general population.
If the Act is reauthorized, the programs would be extended through 2041.
Meanwhile the funeral for Robert Leaver and Daniel Heglund will take place on Friday, while Howard Bischoff’s funeral will take place on Saturday.
Leaver’s funeral will take place at St. Francis of Assisi Church on 128 Parrott Road in West Nyack, N.Y. on Friday at 10 a.m.
Heglund’s funeral will take place at the Centerport Fire Department headquarters at 9 Centerport Road in Centerport, N.Y. on Friday at 11 a.m.
Bischoff’s funeral will take place at St. Aloysius Church on 935 Bennetts Mills Road in Jackson, N.J. on Saturday at 11 a.m.
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