NEW YORK (WABC) — More members of the New York Fire Department have now died from illnesses linked to the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center than on the day of the attacks themselves.

“These insurmountable losses did not end at the World Trade Center site,” Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker said Monday. “Instead, we saw our members become ill as a result of the time they spent in rescue and recovery.”

On September 11, 343 members of the New York Fire Department died. In the 23 years since then, more than 370 people have died from illnesses related to the World Trade Center, the fire department said.

According to the New York City Fire Department’s Uniformed Firefighters Association, there have been 28 fatalities since the anniversary of September 11 last year.

“Just because you’re alive doesn’t mean you’re alive. And these people are suffering every day just trying to stay alive,” said Lt. Jim Brosi, president of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association of New York City.

The last firefighter diagnosed with 9/11-related cancer was in his early 50s, active and healthy, and less than a year ago he was still a full-time firefighter riding on a fire truck.

He was buried on Saturday – but first responders and survivors must once again fight for state funding.

Congressman Dan Goldman is part of the bipartisan coalition of elected officials supporting legislation that would make funding for the World Trade Center Health Program permanent.

Last year, Congress had to pass a $676 million stopgap measure to cover the deficit.

“This bill would mean we wouldn’t have to do this every year or every few years,” Goldman said. “There’s a deficit forecast again for 2028. And the reason we’re pushing for this bill is because that’s our duty as Americans.”

Lawmakers and survivors all hope this is the last bill needed that will provide a permanent solution.

Of the 2,753 people who died in the World Trade Center, 1,103 – about 40 percent – ​​are officially unidentified.

There has been no new identification of the 9/11 remains since January.

MORE COVERAGE | Remembering September 11

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