No matter how many years pass, the IAFF will always remember and never forget that dark day in 2001 when thousands of Americans died in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

On the morning of September 11, 2001, IAFF members responded with incredible courage to the Pentagon and the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, which claimed the lives of 343 FDNY fire fighters. 

“Today, we once again remember those fire fighters who faced down unspeakable horror in defense of their fellow citizens,” says General President Harold Schaitberger. “We remember them and we honor their service with an unbending commitment to ensure the safety and security of all of our brothers and sisters.”

In the days, weeks and months that followed that tragic day, thousands of fire fighters -- along with hundreds of others -- assisted in the recovery efforts on the pile, and many have since died or become ill as a result of exposure to toxins at Ground Zero. 

The IAFF continues to fight for treatment for 9/11 health issues as a result of that toxic pile by working to pass the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act to reauthorize the World Trade Center Health Program and the September 11 Victims Compensation Fund, which provide health monitoring, treatment and compensation for 9/11 responders and survivors in all 50 states.