9/11 Illness Is Second Most Common Cause of NYPD Line-of-Duty Death

Although law enforcement on Manhattan Island began with Dutch settlers in 1625, the New York City Police Department as an entity dates back to 1845. In the 170 years of its existence, thousands of men and women have served honorably in the rank and file of the NYPD, facing numerous dangers. Yet, the greatest historical threat to life in the ranks of the NYPD exists today, not in the form of violent crime, rioting or natural disasters, but from the lingering effects of toxic exposure from the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

Officer Down Memorial Page is a website dedicated to honoring law enforcement officers who die in the line of duty. According to the NYPD page on the site, 9/11-related illness is second all-time among causes of line-of-duty death. As of December 14^h, 2015, the top five cause of death listed were:

• Gunfire: 326
• 9/11-related illness: 85
• Automobile accident: 52
• Heart attack: 45
• Struck by vehicle: 38

With hundreds of NYPD officers enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program, receiving disease screenings or treatment, that number is likely to grow. At Barasch & McGarry, our attorneys understand the scope of this crisis. That’s why we actively campaign for a permanent extension of the Zadroga Act. The official motto of the NYPD is Fidelis Ad Mortem, Latin for “faithful unto death.” We believe our officers’ fidelity should be repaid.

If you have questions about your eligibility for Zadroga Act benefits for 9/11-related illness, call our law firm at [ln::phone] or contact our office online.