Barasch & McGarry Honors FDNY Firefighter Ray Pfeifer’s 66th Birthday

Today, February 6, 2024, would have been the 66th birthday of FDNY Firefighter Raymond J. Pfeifer, a 9/11 hero and Barasch & McGarry client. Pfeifer’s advocacy in large part persuaded Congress to establish permanent health and compensation benefits for 9/11 community members with cancer or respiratory illness and their families.

After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, Pfeifer immediately responded to Ground Zero, where he narrowly escaped the collapse of 7 World Trade Center.

He remained at the site for months afterward, supporting search-and-rescue operations and clearing debris. During this time, Pfeifer slept in his truck or at the firehouse.

Pfeifer soon developed the “World Trade Center cough” from his exposure to toxins in the air at Ground Zero.

In 2009, he was diagnosed with 9/11-related kidney cancer.

As he battled cancer for eight years, Pfeifer worked closely with fierce 9/11 advocates Jon Stewart, John Feal of the Feal Good Foundation, and others. They relentlessly fought to protect the rights of all 9/11 responders and survivors to access free health care and compensation awards for illnesses related to their toxic exposure.

For his many contributions, Pfeifer was honored in the naming of the “Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act.”

Pfeifer, a native of Queens, New York, graduated from Division Avenue High School in Levittown on Long Island before joining the FDNY in 1987. He was assigned to Engine 40/Ladder 35 in Manhattan.

He passed away in 2017, at 57 years-of-age.

Today, the Ray Pfeifer Foundation helps 9/11 first responders with medical needs not covered by insurance.

Firefighter Raymond J. Pfeifer’s courage and record of advocacy continue to inspire the entire 9/11 community. We will never forget his many contributions.

Barasch & McGarry was honored to represent Ray Pfeifer and his family.