FDNY remembers fallen 9/11 first responders killed by illness related to recovery work

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Sunday marks the 15th anniversary of the September 11th terror attacks.

For the FDNY, it was the deadliest day in its history, losing 343 members.

Since then, scores of first responders have died, sickened by the toxic chemicals from the crumbled Twin Towers.

With a single white rose, family members of 17 of the FDNY's Bravest remembered their fallen sons.

"It's a very proud moment also. He spent 40 years on this job and it's quite an honor to be recognized like this for everything he did," said Christopher Eysser, FDNY battalion chief.

Battalion Chief Eysser remembers his father George, also a battalion chief, whose name was added with 16 others to the FDNY World Trade Center Memorial Wall.

They are being added to the list of 343 members who died during the attacks and now 127 who died from illnesses related to their recovery work after September 11th.

"To all our family members here today, you have our utmost respect and admiration from the entire department now and always," said James Leonard, Chief of Department, FDNY.

The FDNY members spent countless hours following the 9/11 attacks, first working a rescue operation which then turned to recovery of the victims.

They then encountered health problems.

"Nagging problems worsened, chronic became acute and the number of those lost to the terrorist attack of September 11 began to grow," said Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro, FDNY.

Among these 17 were a fleet services mechanic, nine firefighters, three lieutenants, two captains and two battalion chiefs.

The FDNY has posted on Instagram two touching tributes from the families of those lost.

"Remembering them is one of our most important traditions. God bless the members we honor today and all of you," Nigro said.

Their memory is now enshrined and their sacrifice not forgotten.