Story highlights Thomas Phelan joined the fire department in 2003
Cancer has affected many of the emergency responders
(CNN) After terrorists struck the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, a New York ferry captain who later became a city firefighter helped evacuate hundreds of people from Lower Manhattan.
He was Thomas Phelan, 45, one of the many heroes who came to the city's rescue after the attack. Phelan died on Friday, authorities said, one of the thousands of victims of cancer linked to the 9/11 attack.
Phelan worked for Circle Line Statue of Liberty ferry cruises when the twin towers were hit and helped ferry people from Lower Manhattan, FDNY spokesman Jim Long confirmed. In 2003, Phelan joined the fire department as a firefighter and eventually was promoted to marine pilot, Long said.
Mayor Bill de Blasio praised Phelan's heroism and mourned his death in a tweet.
"In our city's darkest hour, @FDNY firefighter Thomas Phelan's heroism saved hundreds of lives," de Blasio said. "We will never forget his service and his sacrifice," he said.
In our city's darkest hour, @FDNY firefighter Thomas Phelan's heroism saved hundreds of lives. We will never forget his service and his sacrifice. https://t.co/dRn4xVFDza — Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) March 18, 2018
monkey_n_pig on March 19th, 2018 at 02:10 UTC »
My friend's dad was one of the Follow up responders. He was a part the team that spent months cleaning up the site. Him and most of his friends died of cancer. There has been an established link of the exposure to concrete and chemicals causing long term health issues. The government has set up a fund and has aligned Sloan Kettering Hospital in NYC for some. If anyone you know has been a part of the response team and is now suffering from a long term health issue. You may want to check if they're eligible for the benefits of this special fund provided by the government.
manolid on March 19th, 2018 at 02:06 UTC »
The fact that many first responders and other workers that were at ground zero had medical coverage denied for illnesses and diseases caused by breathing in that toxic brew of particles just doesn't seem right.
Lefty_Mcgee on March 19th, 2018 at 01:41 UTC »
Thank you Thomas.
I hope that him and others alike will have their names remembered and honored at the memorial or museum.