09/11/2021
On this eve of the 20th anniversary of the attacks on 9/11, we remind our community to pay respect and remember not only those lost in the tragic events that unfolded that morning, but to acknowledge the aftermath of that day. Hundreds, if not thousands, of EMS and fire personnel that survived are continually living with the constant reminder of their bravery each and every day by way of the health and psychological complications sustained when they heroically performed their duty to save countless victims. Of those personnel that survived that day, many succumbed to complications from their heroism because of a lack of support and aid from those in power. Ground Zero EMS and fire personnel have demonstrably higher rates of cancer, asthma, anxiety, major depressive disorder, COPD, PTSD, sleep apnea, and many other chronic illnesses and diseases brought on by their presence and service during our darkest hour; and yet, little social and health support has been provided to these much-deserving heros. On this 20th anniversary of 9/11, remember those lost of course, but I argue that turning our energy to supporting those that are currently still suffering the effects of that day is vitally important. The 9/11 victim count is still climbing, and those most at risk have been left behind.
- Nathan Brown, WEMS President
