Statement from NAPO President Mick McHale Marking the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks

Images of 9/11 from New York City, the Pentagon and Shanksville, PA
Alexandria, Virginia – Today marks the 20th anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attack on our nation’s soil. On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 of our fellow citizens gave their lives in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. This includes the more than 400 federal, state, and local public safety officers who ran into harm’s way to save others, many of whom were NAPO members.

As we remember those who died on September 11, 2001, we also must recognize those we have lost and continue to lose as the lasting effects of that day make themselves known. As we know too well, first responders across the country continue to die from their rescue and recovery efforts on and after 9/11 from cancers and other serious health conditions related to sustained exposure to toxins found at Ground Zero. We have lost nearly 300 more federal, state, and local law enforcement officers from 9/11-related illnesses over the past 20 years – more than we lost on September 11, 2001. Unfortunately, that number will only grow.

NAPO has lost nearly 350 members from 9/11-related deaths. 23 officers from the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and 37 officers from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department died on September 11, 2001. The rest have died of 9/11-related illnesses since that fateful day. We remember our members and all the first responders who heroically gave their lives because of their service on September 11, 2001, and in the weeks and months after. We will forever remember these officers, their families, and all survivors of 9/11.

God bless the men and women who serve our nation as law enforcement officers and God bless America.