Three firefighters die from 9/11 related illnesses in one day

Together they stood and united they fell.

Three retired FDNY firefighters – two of whom grew up together in Park Slope and were lifelong best friends – died on Monday, September 22 from cancers linked to their time spent rummaging through debris at Ground Zero.

Retired Lieutenant Howard “Howie” Bischoff and retired firefighters Robert Leaver and Daniel Heglund all died the same day, raising the toll to 92 firefighters who have lost their lives to 9/11-related illnesses.

“He was a great uncle and like a second father to me,” said Liam Leaver of his “Uncle Bobby.” “He was a wise man who always pushed me to be better than myself.”

Bischoff, 58, served on Ladder 149, at the “Castle on the Hill” firehouse in Dyker Heights while Leaver served Ladder 202 in Red Hook and Heglund, at Rescue 4 in Queens. Bischoff was a member of the department for 19 years; Leaver for 20 and Heglund for 21.

“While we honor these men, and mourn their loss, it is a stark reminder that 13 years later, the health effects of 9/11 are far from over, and will be with us for many years to come,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in a statement, stressing that over 150 of “our finest and bravest” have been lost in the 13 years since the attacks due to related illnesses. “More than 2,900 people have been diagnosed with cancers caused or made worse by the aftermath of the attacks, and approximately 1,350 FDNY and NYPD members are facing serious 9/11-related illnesses and have had to leave their jobs.”

Stressing that more needs to be done for our heroes, Gillibrand joined the country in remembering these three fallen heroes for their ultimate sacrifice.

“My heart is with the families and friends of these three heroic men,” said the senator. “The bravery, courage and dedication that Lieutenant Howard Bischoff, Robert Leaver and Daniel Heglund showed at Ground Zero during the recovery and cleanup efforts personify the best of who we are as Americans.”

All three firefighters retired in 2003.