New York officials are urging volunteer firefighters who responded to the World Trade Center after the Sept. 11 attacks to attend an upcoming event aimed at ensuring they receive benefits they may still be entitled to.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the free informational session will take place May 6 on Long Island, connecting firefighters and their families with resources tied to long-term health impacts from their service.
The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the West Islip Fire House and will include representatives from the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board, the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, and the World Trade Center Health Program.
Officials say many volunteer firefighters who assisted in rescue, recovery, and cleanup efforts may qualify for benefits if they later developed illnesses or were injured as a result of their work at Ground Zero.
Participants will receive guidance on how to register for assistance programs, file claims, and access ongoing medical monitoring and care.
State leaders say the effort is intended to close gaps in awareness and ensure that those who responded to the attacks — and their families — are not missing out on support.
Volunteer firefighters who cannot attend are encouraged to explore available resources through state and federal programs offering compensation and healthcare services related to 9/11 exposure.
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