New York City lost two more of its bravest to 9/11-related illnesses.
Retired firefighters Paul Deo, Jr. and Richard Jones both died Friday, joining hundreds of other first responders who succumbed to diseases contracted at Ground Zero in the days and weeks after the Twin Towers fell.
”Nearly two decades later, our FDNY family continues to lose remarkable men and women who never wavered in their commitment to protecting life and property in our city," said FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro. "Our department will never forget them or the bravery they exuded throughout their careers.”
Deo, 74, and Jones, 63, both spent decades with the department, each collecting accolades along the way.
Deo served 33 years as a firefighter, mostly in Queens at Engines 317 and 289 with a stint in the Bronx at Engine 42. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1990.