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9/11 Hero Dedicated Life to Public Safety – Even After Cancer

May 18, 2021 | Michael Barasch

9/11 devastated the New York City Police Department, with dozens of officers killed in the collapse of the World Trade Center buildings.

In the years since the attacks, hundreds of other police officers – from the NYPD, the Port Authority, and other agencies – have become ill and passed away from 68 different types of cancer and many respiratory illnesses resulting from their exposure to Ground Zero toxins. 

Sadly, their number now includes Andy Stromfeld, 60, a 9/11 first responder who was a member of the NYPD’s Emergency Services Unit. He passed away in March this year after battling multiple cancers and serious respiratory illnesses.

A Barasch & McGarry client, Stromfeld dedicated his entire life to public safety.

After retiring as a police officer, Stromfeld and his beloved wife, Jodie, moved to the Town of Victor, in Western New York. 

There, in 2006, he joined the Fishers Fire District as a volunteer firefighter.

He dedicated himself to the fire district, eventually becoming its chief in 2012.

A colleague of Stromfeld describes him as a “true-blue” first responder, who was committed to protecting families from harm.

Though he rarely spoke about his experiences with the search-and-rescue crews at Ground Zero, Stromfeld was recognized as a leader.

If, like Andy Stromfeld, you were in Lower Manhattan on or after 9/11, it is imperative that you register with the World Trade Center Health Program and the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, even if you are healthy.

Many types of cancer and respiratory illnesses develop years or decades after an individual’s exposure to toxins. 

Give yourself and your family the peace of mind to know that health care and other resources will be available if, God forbid, you become sick in the future.

Please call us at 212-385-8000 if you have any questions about the World Trade Center Health Program and the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, or visit 911victims.com.

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