Southwest Brooklyn Congressman Dan Donovan and Bay Ridge Lawmakers Sen. Marty Golden and Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, along with Long Island Congressman Peter King today joined dozens of first responders and union presidents in Bay Ridge to rally in support of a permanent Zadroga Act extension.
The event focused on the personal stories of 9/11 heroes who risked everything to help others at Ground Zero, and now rely on Zadroga Act benefits for treatment, monitoring, and compensation.
“We came together today to focus on the heroes who selflessly rushed toward death and destruction in the aftermath of the 2001 attacks. Many will pay for their heroism for the rest of their lives; some have already paid with their lives,” said Donovan. “Their stories speak louder than any of us standing behind a podium. It is cancer victims like Ret. Det. John Muller and widows like Jacqui Lopez who are the most forceful voices in support of a permanent Zadroga Act; I thank them for their time, their words, and – most of all – their sacrifice.”
Several first responders with 9/11-related conditions delivered moving remarks about their experience after the attacks and how they now rely on the World Trade Center Health Program and Victims Compensation Fund.
Retired Detective John Muller spent his free time in the months following September 11, 2001 sifting through rubble and remains at the debris landfill. He took advantage of the WTC Health Program’s regular monitoring services, but was diagnosed with lung cancer earlier this year. He is now undergoing chemotherapy funded by the WTC Health Program.
Jacqui Lopez, wife of Lt. Luis Lopez who passed away earlier this year from a 9/11-related heart condition, spoke about her late husband’s heroism and sacrifice. Lt. Lopez received treatment, including an external heart pump, through the WTC Health Program. Ms. Lopez has filed for assistance through the Victims Compensation Fund.
On September 11, 2001, retired NYPD Captain Patrick DeSarlo left his pregnant wife and 3-year old daughter at home as he rushed toward the World Trade Center. He spoke today about his lengthy battle with multiple myeloma. The WTC Health Program has funded his treatment, including numerous stem cell transplants.
“We must permanently reauthorize the Zadroga Act, for it was during the worst terrorist attack on American soil in the history of our democracy that our first responders were there and stood strong in the face of danger. And now, 14 years later, their health continues to deteriorate because they were not afraid to put their own lives on the line for others. We must take care of these American heroes always,” said Golden.
Malliotakis noted the city’s first responders didn’t think twice about selflessly running towards a disaster to save lives and they never do.
“They always put themselves in harm’s way to protect strangers and keep our city and nation safe. Now that they need our help, support and commitment, Washington shouldn’t think twice about giving it. These heroes not only deserve to have the Zadroga Act permanently extended, but they have earned it by paying the ultimate price,” said Malliotakis.
