More first responders have died from 9/11-related illnesses than on 9/11

A first responder observes a moment of silence during a ceremony at Ground Zero, the 16-acre World Trade Center site, in New York, U.S., on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008. (Photo: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg News)

On the 18th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, we think of the 2,977 lives lost that day and the countless others who were affected in some capacity along the way. The effects of that day still linger for many — especially for the first responders who were on the scene.

To date, 241 members of the NYPD died of 9/11-related illnesses — compared to the 23 killed in the attack on the World Trade Center, according to ABC News. The fire department has also lost a significant number of members. To date, 202 FDNY members have died of illnesses related to their service on Sept. 11 or in the immediate aftermath; in the attack itself, 343 members died.