9-11, deaths, cancer, FDNY
(New York, NY) – The FDNY has lost two more members to 9-11 related illness, bringing the total number to 343 — which is identical to the number of people the department lost on September 11, 2001. Over the weekend, department officials confirmed that EMT Hilda Vanetta and retired firefighter Robert Fulco passed away, representing the 342nd and 343rd FDNY members to die from 9/11-related illnesses.
In recent years, efforts have focused on restoring funding to the 9-11 Victims Compensation Fund, which provides for sickened first responders as well as civilians living in the area at the time of the attacks.
Concerning the most recent FDNY deaths, Commissioner Laura Kavanaugh released a statement that reads in part: “With these deaths, we have reached a somber, remarkable milestone. … Our hearts break for the families of these members, and all who love them.”
