200th New York firefighter dies due to 9/11 illness

Illnesses related to the 9/11 attacks claimed their 200th New York firefighter this week.

Firefighters Kevin Nolan and Richard Driscoll died on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively, the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) confirmed to The Hill on Thursday.{mosads}

“It is almost incomprehensible that, after losing 343 members on September 11, we have now had 200 more FDNY members die from World Trade Center illnesses,” Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro said in a statement. “These heroes gave their lives bravely fighting to rescue and recover others. We will never forget them.”

Their deaths come as lawmakers advance a bill to authorize funding for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund through 2090. The House passed the legislation last week. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) on Wednesday blocked an attempt by Democrats in the Senate to do the same, saying that “new spending … should be offset by cutting spending that’s less valuable.”

The Senate is expected to pass the bill, however, before it recesses Aug. 2. 

“Rest in peace, firefighters Richard Driscoll and Kevin Nolan,” tweeted New York Mayor Bill de Blasio (D), who is running for president. “200 members of the FDNY have now succumbed to WTC-related illness. They didn’t hesitate to run into danger. They stayed until the work was done.”

Rest in peace, firefighters Richard Driscoll and Kevin Nolan.

200 members of the FDNY have now succumbed to WTC-related illness. They didn’t hesitate to run into danger. They stayed until the work was done.

The Senate MUST fully fund the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. pic.twitter.com/pHTif6PwCL

— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) July 18, 2019

The Uniformed Firefighters Association said in a tweet that Nolan’s funeral will take place Saturday.  

It is with Regret we announce the WTC Related Death of Retired Firefighter Kevin J. Nolan Engine Company 79. Funeral arrangements are posted below.#343andcounting pic.twitter.com/YSLrEQ3JQ9

— UFA NYC Firefighters (@UFANYC) July 17, 2019