STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The FDNY added 32 names Wednesday to the World Trade Center Memorial Wall for deaths related to illnesses from the terror attacks on Sept.
11, 2001, including five members of the department who either lived on Staten Island, formerly lived on the Island or were assigned to work here. The wall honors those who died during the attacks or from illnesses related to their work in the rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center. “Next week, we will mark the 23rd anniversary of Sept.
11. As we do every year, we will reflect on the 343 members who died that day, and we will be sobered in knowing that those insurmountable losses did not end at the World Trade Center site,” Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said during the ceremony.
“Instead, we have seen our members become sick because of time they spent working in the rescue and recovery. Their losses have left gaping holes in our hearts that will not close. But while there is great sadness here, there is also tremendous gratitude for time spent, for promises kept and in knowing that each of these members would do it all again if asked.
That’s the beauty of the FDNY. That’s the power of a place that’s home to people, like all of your loved ones, who are dedicated to doing good,” Tucker added. The department has lost more than 360 members to World Trade Center-related illnesses.
“The 32 members we honor today and the many, many names that did not hesitate to respond on September 11th and then search for days and weeks for their missing colleagues, friends and civilians,” Acting Chief of Department John Esposito said. “In 2001, they knew they had a job to do, and they were selfless in their dedication. They did not think of themselves as they ran toward danger.
They upheld the finest traditions of this department — bravery, honor and call to service,” he said. 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.” Here are the firefighters with Staten Island ties added to the wall: Firefighter Michael W.
Daly (FDNY) FDNY Firefighter Robert E. Welsh III. (FDNY) FDNY Paramedic Andrew J.
Enderes. (FDNY) FDNY Electrician Joseph Berardi. (FDNY) FDNY Lieutenant Charles J.
Maniscalco. (FDNY) FDNY CASES OF 9/11-RELATED ILLNESSES CONTINUE Island-based lawyer Greg Cannata told the Advance/SILive.com last year that he sees at least a dozen cases a month in regard to individuals looking to file claims as part of the Victim’s Compensation Fund.
The majority of these individuals are predominately suffering from breast, prostate, colon and skin cancers — all cancers which have been proven to be common in those who were present at the World Trade Center and surrounding areas following the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Cannata went on to say that while the process for filing a claim is working well, given the number of years since the attacks, it has become more difficult to prove that you were present at the site and that claims must go through a verification process.
However, Cannata pointed out that awards are often significant for both the victims and members of their family, reaching upward of $250,000 for victims and additional funds for members of their family. “People should speak to lawyers who’ve done a lot of these claims,” Cannata said. “It’s a simple process once you follow up.
”.
