The grim toll of 9/11 continues to mount, extending far beyond the immediate devastation of that tragic day. Two more names have been added to the growing list of firefighters who succumbed to illnesses linked to their heroic service at Ground Zero: Thomas Dunn and Dennis Collopy. Their passing underscores the enduring health crisis facing first responders and survivors, a crisis exacerbated by a significant funding shortfall in the World Trade Center Health Program. The program, designed to provide vital medical monitoring and treatment for those affected, currently faces a staggering $3 billion deficit, threatening the long-term care of thousands still grappling with the physical and emotional scars of 9/11.
Thomas Dunn, a firefighter with Engine 234 in Brooklyn, lost his battle with a World Trade Center-related illness. His death adds another layer of tragedy to his family’s grief, as his brother, firefighter Jimmy Dunn, also perished eight years prior. Dunn’s bravery on 9/11 was evident even in his early days with the FDNY. Colleagues recall his composure and dedication to helping others amidst the chaos and debris of the collapsing South Tower. He embodies the selfless spirit of the many first responders who risked their lives that day, a spirit that continues to inspire admiration and gratitude. A private service in Florida will honor his memory and service.
Retired Battalion Chief Dennis Collopy also succumbed to a 9/11-related cancer after a long and courageous fight. A 36-year veteran of the FDNY and a U.S. Army veteran, Collopy dedicated his life to service. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication, embodied not only in his professional career but also in his personal life. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, two daughters, and four grandsons. Collopy’s passing is mourned by his colleagues, who remember him as a great man and a dedicated leader. His funeral mass, held in West Nyack, New York, serves as a testament to the respect and admiration he earned throughout his life.
The deaths of Dunn and Collopy bring the total number of firefighters who have died from 9/11-related illnesses to over 370, a stark reminder of the long-term health consequences of the attacks. The toxic dust cloud that engulfed Lower Manhattan following the collapse of the Twin Towers contained a deadly cocktail of pulverized building materials, asbestos, silica, metals, and concrete. Exposure to this toxic dust has led to a range of debilitating and often fatal illnesses, including various cancers, respiratory diseases, and mental health conditions.
The list of 9/11-related illnesses is extensive and continues to grow as research reveals the long-term impact of exposure to the toxic dust cloud. Cancers, such as liver and laryngeal cancer, and mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure, are prominent among the diagnosed illnesses. Respiratory ailments, including chronic rhinosinusitis, asthma, sleep apnea, and chronic respiratory disease, are also prevalent. Furthermore, the psychological trauma of the event has left many first responders and survivors struggling with PTSD, a condition that can have devastating and long-lasting effects.
The World Trade Center Health Program, established to provide comprehensive medical care and monitoring for those affected by 9/11, faces a significant financial challenge. The $3 billion deficit threatens the program’s ability to continue providing essential services, such as screenings, treatment, and mental health support. This funding gap underscores the urgent need for continued support and resources to ensure that those who sacrificed their health in the aftermath of 9/11 receive the care they need and deserve. The stories of Thomas Dunn and Dennis Collopy serve as poignant reminders of the ongoing human cost of 9/11 and the crucial importance of adequately funding the World Trade Center Health Program.
