Veteran Firefighter Succumbs To 9/11 Related Cancer Years After Brother Lost His Life During The Attacks

Sep 11, 2023

The Foley family lost three men to the terrorist attacks and the ensuing events at the World Trade Center on September 9th, 2001. Daniel Foley, the last member of the family to die from the strike, was a veteran firefighter who transferred to Rescue 3 in honor of his brother Thomas Foley. Thomas was a firefighter and was posted to the Bronx Fire Station, also known as Rescue 3, but died in the blaze. He was one of the 343 Fire Department New York (FDYN) members to die in the attacks, according to Lohud.

Daniel then spent days on Ground Zero looking for victims and his brother. He found Thomas’ body on the 11th day. 

“Danny’s dedication to the department came down to the World Trade Center, where Danny worked day in and day out looking for his brother and all the people killed there that day,” Lieutenant Mickey Conboy of Rescue 3 told CBS News.

“On the first night, Danny promised his mother and father he wouldn’t come home until he brought his brother home with him,” the Lieutenant added.

Daniel’s dad, Tom Foley, also joined in the search and cleaning every day. The elder Foley had been with the New York City Sanitation Department before he retired. After his son’s remains were found, he continued to join other families on Ground Zero to search for their loved ones and clean up the place.  

Tom passed away 15 years later at 73. He was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia that was only frequently seen following the 9/11 attacks due to the damaging toxic clouds that pervaded Ground Zero, where he helped. His daughter, Joanne Foley, recalled that doctors asked her if her dad was a part of the rescue efforts following the attacks. 

Joanne’s brother, Daniel, was the second member of the family to succumb to an illness related to the tragedy. Daniel, who joined the FDNY in 1998, was 46 when he died 21 years after the terrorist attack, leaving behind his wife, Carrie and five children. Daniel died in February 2020 after battling pancreatic cancer. The FDNY announced his passing. 

“The attacks on the World Trade center have claimed yet another brave member of our Department, and the Foley family,” the FDNY commissioner told New York Daily News. Daniel Foley, like his brother Thomas who was killed on September 11th, dedicated his life to rescuing others. We will never forget them.”

The department also put up a post announcing his passing on Twitter.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the friends and family of retired Firefighter Daniel Foley. Another hero we lost due to post 9/11 related illness. This is becoming a living nightmare for all of us. #343andCounting,” they shared.

Over 400 first responders have died from 9/11-related illnesses, and Daniel was one of those who fought for health benefits for those who suffered illnesses attributed to the 9/11 attacks.

“Danny was first and foremost a great fireman, but he was a great man before that, and a great father and a great husband to his wife, Carrie, and their five loving children that he leaves behind,” Lieutenant Conboy said.

The late firefighter was a great man who has been cited ten times for his bravery. Remarkably, he was even awarded a posthumous medal as he saved two children from a burning house in 2019. 

According to Lohud, his sister, Joanne, is now committed to her 9/11 foundation, which seeks to educate young generations about the attacks.

 What do you think of the Foleys’ bravery? Do you have a word of encouragement for the family? Let us know, and be sure to pass this on to friends and family so they can also appreciate this brave family’s sacrifices.