'I am the luckiest man on earth - my colleagues were not so fortunate' (original) (raw)
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'More firefighters have died from 9/11 related illnesses than were killed on the day'
The shocking legacy of the September 11 terror attacks in New York City is still being felt on their 23rd anniversary with many firefighters succumbing to the toxic dust they breathed that day and the weeks after
More than hundred firefighters have died since 9/11 as a result of the conditions they worked in
The names of 32 fallen firefighters have just been added to the World Trade Centre memorial wall - each of them dead this year from illnesses caused by breathing in toxic dust on 9/11.
A total of 343 firemen were killed in New York on September 11th 2001. Now - on the 23rd anniversary - it can be revealed a total of 362 firemen have died as a direct result of cancer and heart related diseases.
The life of one hero first responder has just been dramatically saved as a result of a kidney transplant and Mike Megna told the Mirror he felt like the “luckiest man on earth.” Many of his brave former colleagues have not been so fortunate.
The moment the South Tower of the World Trade Centre was hit on 9/11 (
Image:
Getty Images)
And the fact that 32 more have just been added to the FDNY memorial shows the shocking legacy of 9/11 is still devastating families almost a quarter of a century later.
Two of the tragic new additions were both from Staten Island - Lieutenant Charles Maniscalco who died aged 81, on May 27, 2024. He worked on Engine 162 in Great Kills. And Fire Department electrician Joseph Berardi died aged 68 on Jan 24 2024 who was with the FDNY Building Services Unit.
Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker said: “As we do every year, we will reflect on the 343 members who died that day, and we will be sobered in knowing that those insurmountable losses did not end at the World Trade Center site.”
“Instead, we have seen our members become sick because of time they spent working in the rescue and recovery. Their losses have left gaping holes in our hearts that will not close. But while there is great sadness here, there is also tremendous gratitude for time spent, for promises kept and in knowing that each of these members would do it all again if asked.
“That’s the beauty of the FDNY. That’s the power of a place that’s home to people, like all of your loved ones, who are dedicated to doing good.”
Mike Megna says he felt like the 'luckiest man on Earth' (
Image:
Daily Mirror/Ian Vogler)
And Megna, a former New Jersey Police officer, agreed He said: “It’s shocking that so many first responders are dying of 9/11 related diseases so many years afterwards. I know I’ve now been one of the lucky ones. But the number of firefighters who have died from toxic dust related illnesses is now more than those who were killed on the day.”
“That shocking. And dozens of police officers have died as well. These guys gave their lives to help save others - it’s so unfair.”
Megna spent weeks working on the notorious “bucket patrols” moving tons of ash and dust following the collapse and later developed terrible kidney disease after breathing in the toxic fumes. He was on dialysis 12 hours a day and dying but now his life has been saved after an old school friend stepped forward and donated her kidney.
Mike, 51, described Stacey Lott, 52, a design consultant, as “an angel sent by God.” The transplant took place in a New Jersey hospital. Mike said: “She gave me hope when I had none. I can say thank you to her a million times but it’s still not enough. She has changed my life for the better.”
“I’m home recovering and still in a lot of pain but slow and steady I’m coming along. No more dialysis - what a relief. I have got a new lease on life and I won’t waste it.”