"69Mets", I've had the privilage to talk to you a few times on the phone. I know that you worked in some of the Busiest Companies in the FDNY. You have more than paid your dues, just like many others on here have. I'd just like to tell a little of your story ( although I never discussed saying anything about this, and I hope he's okay with it). My hope is that people will understand in a small way, just what one of these 9/11 responders go through. And as he told me, there are many worse cases.
"69Mets" was injuried when a ceiling came down on him and as a result suffers serious back pain everyday. Of course he responded to Ground Zero when he and all the rest of those First responders were needed. They were told the air is "SAFE". (How many of us remember that lie ???). As a result he suffered lung damage that only seems to get worse. He also has severe sinus problems.
Recently, he had to fly some 1200 miles back to NYC for his physical evaluation. According to "THEIR Test" I believe he was told "No Problems". But a Lung Specialist in his home area has quite a different story to tell.
Here's a Guy that fought fires in some of the busiest areas of the World for a living. Spent about 21 years doing it. Then responded to the Worst Attack this Country ever faced, was lied to, and is fighting in every way he can to try and get the Medical care that Our Country OWES these First Responder Hero's. And here's a guy who used to run 5 miles every day. Probadly couldn't run 50 feet now.
Not only can't we trust our politicians, who we put in office for our protection, but we may not even be able to trust the IAFF who are supposed to protect ALL IAFF Members.
"69Mets" always refers to me as A Brother. And Brothers stick together. As Brothers, we need to fight every step of the way for the 9/11 First Responders like "69Mets" who were there when we needed them most. We can't let them down. We just can't trust the people that are supposed to be there protecting them, and we need to do something about it.