It’s a grim sign of the times.
The FDNY has increased the size of its World Trade Center memorial wall at its Brooklyn headquarters as they prepare to add the names of 27 more members who died of illnesses linked to the toxic air at Ground Zero during the rescue and recovery efforts. The names will be added during a special ceremony on Wednesday, which, because of COVID-19 restrictions, will be virtual this year, fire officials said.
The 27 new names will bring the number of city firefighters, EMTs and Paramedics who died from 9/11 related illnesses and cancers to 226, FDNY officials said. An additional 343 FDNY members died in the terror attacks. “Our Department made a solemn promise to never forget the bravery and sacrifice of the 343 members who gave their lives on September 11th, and the growing list of heroes who have died due to illnesses related to their courageous work throughout the rescue and recovery effort,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro.