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Two More Firefighters Died from 9/11-Related Illnesses!

Two more heroes from 9/11 have fallen due to hidden battles against related illnesses.

By Kushani Gunathilaka

February 6, 2025

1:55 GMT-0830

Two former firefighters who heroically responded to the 9/11 terror attacks have died from related illnesses. The Uniformed Firefighters Association shared the heartbreak on February 4, 2025.

Thomas Dunn, of Engine 234 in Brooklyn, passed away due to a World Trade Center-related illness. Just days before, retired Battalion Chief Dennis Collopy succumbed to cancer. These deaths add to the over 370 firefighters who have died from such illnesses. This somber statistic highlights the long-term impacts of 9/11.

"On 9/11 I met Tommy as we survived the collapse of the South Tower by making it down the parking ramp on Albany Street. Tommy was just out of the Academy and conducted himself as a seasoned professional. He was helping people before the debris stopped landing.Tommy, YOU DID GOOD. REST EASY BROTHER and MAY GOD BLESS YOU and MAY HIS PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON YOU." One of Thomas Dunn’s colleagues, Joseph Pasquarello wrote.

Firefighter Dunn was celebrated for his dedication, mirroring the courage he showed during 9/11. He is remembered as professionally brave by those who served with him.

His early career was marked by his actions on 9/11, facing debris and chaos. His family, having suffered previous losses, prepares for a private service.

Battalion Chief Collopy’s death after a valiant fight with cancer echoes the sacrifices of many first responders. His long service is honored in memory. Chief Dennis Collopy 36-year FDNY veteran and a U.S. Army veteran, later lived in West Nyack, in upstate New York. He continued his service for the FDNY until he retired in 2002.

Collopy's story reflects a service span of over three decades with the FDNY. His legacy continues with his family, who mourn his passing.

The towers collapsed on September 9, 2001 in Manhattan creating a huge dust cloud. The dust consisted of pulverized building materials, metals, silica, asbestos and concrete. It covered the World Trade Center site and the area surrounding it . The long-term impact of working at the World Trade Center site was recognized in 2010 with the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. This act is named after a first responder who died due to a respiratory condition in 2006.

Since the 9/11 attacks, over 370 firefighters have lost their lives due to illnesses linked to their exposure to he dust. Many first responders developed serious health conditions, including liver cancer and laryngeal cancer. Other common illnesses among them include mesothelioma, musculoskeletal disorders, chronic rhinosinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), asthma, and sleep apnea. Some suffered from various forms of cancer like, chronic respiratory disease, and mental health challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“Our list of heroes grows each year. 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." said John Esposito, then-acting FDNY chief, in September 2024.

New York mourns yet stands proud of its heroes, who gave their all for safety post-9/11. The memory of these firefighters resonates deeply.