Three retired firefighters who helped in the recovery at Ground Zero all died the same day this week of 9/11-related illnesses, the FDNY said.
Firefighter Daniel Heglund, Lt. Howard Bischoff and firefighter Robert Leaver all died Monday.
Each worked at the World Trade Center site after the attacks, the department said.
“When he was diagnosed, Robert said he was not a victim but a first responder,” Leaver’s widow, Rosaria, told The Post.
“He said the real victims were the civilians who weren’t first responders. That’s the kind of guy Robert was.”
More than 850 firefighters and ambulance workers are battling WTC-related cancer, according to the firefighters union.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s office said more than 30,000 people are receiving treatment through the WTC Health Program.
FDNY first responders showed health effects soon after the attacks, with 99 percent of exposed firefighters reporting at least one new respiratory symptom, according to NYC Resources 9/11 Health Statistics.
The three deaths come as advocates are pushing for the reauthorization of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.
