Honoring heroes lost to 911 aftermath and toxic exposure

In a poignant government meeting, Counselor Strezzo honored the memory of Michael Horan, a dedicated volunteer who provided aid at Ground Zero following the September 11 attacks. Strezzo highlighted Horan's selfless commitment, noting that he was present every day to help those affected by the tragedy. Tragically, Horan later succumbed to cancer caused by toxins he inhaled during his time at the site.

Alicia Gechter, Horan's daughter, spoke movingly about her father's humility and the importance of recognizing not only the nearly 3,000 lives lost on that fateful day but also the over 45,100 individuals who have died from related illnesses since. Gechter emphasized that both groups are victims of the September 11 attacks and deserve to be honored together.

She expressed her family's desire to use their story to shed light on the ongoing struggles faced by many who were affected by the attacks, including first responders and local residents. Gechter called for continued support and policy changes to care for those suffering from serious health issues as a result of the tragedy. The meeting concluded with a citation honoring Horan's legacy and the sacrifices of countless others who have faced similar challenges.