Recent Blog Posts

A strong early response has demonstrated the demand for commemorative 9/11 license plates within New York State. After many years, the Department of Motor Vehicles finally agreed to issue the plates, with part of the proceeds going to a charity benefiting family members of World Trade Center victims. Fewer than three days after the plates […]

This weekend is more than just a 3 day weekend. It’s a time to honor those who have served our great country, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We remember those who have served abroad (like my own father who was a proud Private in Europe during WWII), and of course, we honor those […]

Nearly 18 years after 343 New York City firefighters died at the scene of the World Trade Center attacks, the death toll is still mounting for workers whose illnesses can be traced to the recovery and cleanup operation. During a 48-hour period in April, three retired FDNY members who served in the post 9/11 recovery […]

Instead of going to the UFA convention this week I am going back down to Washington D.C. to lobby for the extension and full funding of the VCF. I will go back again in a few weeks and then again in June when Jon Stewart testifies at the Judiciary Committee. I assure you that we […]

Retired FDNY Deputy Chief Rich Alles and Mike Barasch were interviewed on Q104.3 by Shelli Sonstein on Sunday. We discussed our efforts and strategy to extend the VCF. We are going back down to D.C. at the end of the month, and then again in June. We will continue these trips until Congress does the […]

With each passing year, we learn more about the terrible health toll suffered by the men and women who worked at Ground Zero in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. These World Trade Center rescue and recovery workers will be honored with a fitting monument at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. The memorial, […]