Former FDNY firefighter Ray Pfeifer, who fought for 9/11 benefits, loses cancer battle

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Former FDNY firefighter Ray Pfeifer, who fought for 9/11 benefits for first responders has lost his own battle with cancer.

The Uniformed Firefighters union says his illness was 9/11 related.

Pfeifer lobbied Congress to pass the Zadroga Act. He met with dozens of lawmakers to discuss extending medical coverage for those sickened by toxins at Ground Zero.

He later accepted a key to the city for his work.

Pfeifer was 57 years old.