On September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes in a coordinated attack against the United States. Two planes were flown into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, causing the eventual collapse of both towers. A third plane struck the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and a fourth, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed into a field in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to overpower the hijackers. The attacks marked the deadliest terrorist act in U.S. history.
The fire service suffered an unprecedented loss that day, with hundreds killed in the line of duty, alongside paramedics, police officers and other first responders who rushed to save lives amid chaos, fire and structural collapse.
Here we seek to answer some of the key questions related to the 9/11 attacks for newer generations of firefighters.
How many firefighters died on 9/11?
The 343 FDNY firefighters killed in the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers hailed from 75 firehouses across the city. The incident marks the largest loss of life of any emergency response agency in history, according to the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States.
FDNY’s Chief of Department, Pete Ganci, was among the members killed, as was Chaplain Mychal Judge. Several other top commanders and chiefs from the FDNY were also killed in the collapse of the Twin Towers.
The 9/11 attack was such a monumental loss of life for the FDNY that it forged an elevated relationship with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, which still supports the department’s members to this day. Former NFFF Executive Director Ron Siarnicki details the Foundations early involvement in supporting FDNY in the days and weeks after 9/11 in “Rising from Ground Zero,” a digital edition focused on the New York City response and recovery efforts. Learn more about how the NFFF’s mission shifted post-9/11 and the ongoing support the foundation offers FDNY.
How many people died on 9/11?
The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks claimed the lives of 2,977 people, including 343 FDNY firefighters and one New York fire patrolman.
The New York fire patrolman killed on 9/11 was Keith Roma. While not an FDNY firefighter and therefore not included in the commonly referenced 343 figure, Roma was a firefighter, and some believe the 343 designation should be updated to 344 to honor Roma’s service.
How many female firefighters died on 9/11?
On September 11, 2001, one female firefighter was killed in the line of duty: FDNY Firefighter Dana Hannon, assigned to Ladder 13, who had previously served as a volunteer and had recently joined the FDNY. However, she was not among the 343 FDNY members who died that day, as she was not assigned to the affected companies nor responded off duty.
The one female member of the FDNY who died on 9/11 was EMS Lieutenant Paramedic Yamel Merino, who was working with MetroCare, a private EMS provider contracted to the city.
Additionally, two civilian women working in fire-related support roles — including a civilian FDNY employee — were also killed.
How many firefighters have died since 9/11?
Since 9/11, hundreds of FDNY firefighters have died from illnesses related to their exposure to toxins at Ground Zero, and in 2023, the number of deaths hit 343, equally the number of firefighters who were killed on the day of the attacks.
These post-9/11 deaths are largely attributed to cancers, respiratory diseases and other chronic illnesses linked to the toxic dust, asbestos, jet fuel and pulverized debris that blanketed Lower Manhattan during the collapse and recovery operations.
Thousands of firefighters, EMTs and rescue personnel have been diagnosed with 9/11-related health conditions. As of 2025, the FDNY World Trade Center Health Program continues to monitor and treat more than 11,000 members for related conditions.
How many first responders died on 9/11 (police, fire, EMS)?
Beyond fire service personnel, there were dozens of LODDs among other public safety agencies on 9/11. The Port Authority Police Department suffered 37 fatalities, the largest loss of life of any police force in history. The NYPD suffered 23 fatalities, the second-largest loss of life of any police force in history, exceeded only by the PAPD officers LODDs from 9/11.
Eight EMTs and paramedics were killed on 9/11.
What is the meaning of 343 related to 9/11?
References to 343 are related to the 343 FDNY firefighters killed in the September 11 attacks.
“Never Forget” is a common phrase used to remember and honor the nearly 3,000 people killed on September 11, 2001, including the 343 firefighters and other public safety personnel.
Memorial events are held every year to honor the fallen first responders, the most notable events likely being the NFFF-affiliated 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs to honor the 343 fallen FDNY firefighters. Learn more about the Stair Climb events here.
Others have launched events like the “Never Forget Walk” and the FDNY 343 Ride to honor their fallen brothers.
This article, originally published on September 14, 2021, has been updated to include additional information.
