Statement From the IAFF on the 20th Anniversary of September 11

September 10 • 2021

Every year on September 11, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and its 324,000 members pause for somber reflection on that tragic day, now 20 years ago, that forever changed the world and the fire service.

On the 20th anniversary of the worst terrorist attack in American history, the IAFF has never forgotten the 343 FDNY members lost that dark day and will always remember the families of our fallen, including the 250 members who have succumbed to World Trade Center-related illnesses.

The IAFF honors those lost amidst the most daring rescue operation in American history by seizing on every lesson learned and every opportunity to protect our members and improve emergency response. Over the last 20 years, the IAFF has been the driving force behind securing benefits for the families of the fallen, protecting the health of Ground Zero responders, expanding terror response training, fighting fire ground toxins and fully confronting behavioral health challenges.

This union remains steadfast and determined to ensure our members are ready for the next shift, whatever that may bring. While the IAFF can take pride in this progress, this work can never pause. As the threats against the citizens we have sworn to protect change, the IAFF will meet these challenges head on.