A New York firefighter, who was cited 10 times for his bravery, has died of 9/11 related cancer aged 46.
The World Trade Center attacks on September 11, 2001 resulted in the deaths of almost 3,000 people, including over 400 emergency workers.
Daniel Foley spent 11 days searching for his brother Thomas Foley, also a firefighter, in the aftermath of the terror attacks. Thomas, aged 32, had died battling the blaze.
Almost 19 years later Daniel, who was a retired FDNY veteran with 21 years of service, has died of pancreatic cancer.
“The attacks on the World Trade Center have claimed yet another brave member of our Department, and the Foley family. Daniel Foley, like his brother Thomas who was killed on September 11th, dedicated his life to rescuing others. We will never forget them,” said FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro in a statement, as per New York Daily News.
Thomas was based at the Bronx fire station known as Rescue 3 when he died on the day of the attacks. His brother Daniel then transferred to Rescue 3 in his brother’s honor.
‘Found his brother Tommy in rubble’
“Danny’s dedication to the department came down to the World Trade Center, where Danny worked day in and day out looking for his brother and all the people that were killed there that day,” said Lt. Mickey Conboy of Rescue 3.
“On the first night, Danny promised his mother and father he wouldn’t come home until he brought his brother home with him. On the 11th day, Danny miraculously found his brother Tommy in rubble at the World Trade Center,” added Lt. Conboy.
Throughout his career, Foley was cited 10 times for bravery, four of them as an individual and six with his unit, as reported by New York Daily News.
‘Great father, a great husband’
“Danny’s mark didn’t stop here in the firehouse or at work. Danny was first and foremost a great fireman, but he was a great man before that, and a great father, a great husband to his wife Carrie, and of five loving children that he leaves behind,” added Conboy.
Over 2,000 deaths have been attributed to 9/11 illnesses, according to an article by lohud, part of USA Today.
Rest in peace, Daniel Foley. We’re sending all our prayers to his family.
Please share to pay tribute to Daniel’s bravery and to all the first responders who risked their lives on that tragic day.
