More than two decades after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the lingering health consequences for first responders continue to claim lives, according to Scott Strauss, a former detective with the New York City Police Department’s Emergency Service Unit.

Strauss, who was a first responder at Ground Zero, described the ongoing struggle with illnesses developed from exposure to toxic dust and debris. He noted that the cumulative death toll from certified 9/11-related illnesses has surpassed the immediate number of fatalities from the attacks themselves.

"Each year, someone else is unable to attend a 9/11 remembrance because they’ve fallen ill, or another acquaintance has a new symptom or diagnosis," Strauss said. He is a patient at the World Trade Center Health Program, which has treated over 5,000 patients for a range of unfolding diseases.

Strauss himself has undergone significant medical procedures, including surgical repairs to his trachea, bronchial tubes, and sinuses, and has had a bout of skin cancer. He also developed a chronic cough, a symptom his family worries about.

Despite his personal health challenges, Strauss considers himself one of the "lucky ones," grateful for the time he has had to watch his sons grow up and become police officers, following in his footsteps. He also spoke of a close friendship with fellow survivor Will Jimeno, who was trapped for 22 hours under rubble with Sgt. John McLoughlin during the rescue efforts.

Strauss lost 14 friends on 9/11. He marks these losses daily, a habit stemming from losing his watch at Ground Zero. He shared an anecdote about receiving a replacement Timex watch from the Jimeno family years later, a gesture that highlights the enduring camaraderie among those affected by the tragedy.

The attacks on September 11, 2001, led to a 25-year trail of medical and emotional challenges for many who worked at Ground Zero. Conditions range from respiratory issues and sleep disorders to mental health challenges and more than 16 categories of cancer, according to physicians treating these individuals.