Westchester Honors Fallen 9/11 Responders

Westchester County recently asked the public to submit the names of people who passed away from 9/11-related illness for a memorial at Kensico Dam.

The memorial honors first responders who were deployed to Ground Zero, the Pentagon or the Shanksville, PA, crash site, worked or lived in Westchester County, and died of a 9/11-related illness such as cancer or respiratory illness.

In 2006, Westchester County introduced “The Rising,” at Kensico Dam Plaza, a sculpture dedicated to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks who were from Westchester County.

The new memorial will continue the tradition of honoring local first responders.

Thousands of Westchester County first responders were involved in the search-and-rescue and recovery operations at Ground Zero – where all of them were exposed to harmful toxins.

In the twenty years since 9/11, this toxic exposure has increased their risk of developing 68 different types of cancer and many respiratory illnesses.

Thankfully, there are resources available to 9/11 first responders and survivors through the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program and 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF).

The health program provides free, comprehensive medical care for 9/11-related illnesses. The fund offers tax-free awards for pain and suffering, lost earnings, and benefits for surviving spouses and family members.

The victim fund offers tax-free awards for pain and suffering, lost earnings, and benefits for surviving spouses and family members.

If you were there, you have the right to register with the 9/11 VCF – even if currently healthy – and enroll in the WTC Health Program if you are diagnosed with the 9/11-related illness.

Barasch & McGarry, Lawyers for the 9/11 Community, represents more than 30,000 members of the 9/11 community, has proudly advocated for first responders for more than twenty-five years.

Visit http://www.911victims.com/ or call 212-385-8000 today.

If you know someone who was a 9/11 first responder, worked or resided in Westchester County, and passed away as result of a 9/11 related illnesses please contact the Co-Chair of the Westchester County 9/11 Related Illnesses Memorial Committee, Matt McCauley at (914) 343-5251.