FDNY EMT, WTC Veteran, Dies

Oct. 28, 2005
Reports say work around Ground Zero contributed to his death.

Felix Hernandez, 31, an eight-year FDNY EMT veteran, died on Oct. 23. reportedly of complications related to his work at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

Funeral services were held Friday.

His death is listed on the National EMS Memorial website. For him to be included for recognition during the annual service in May, he must meet certain criteria. The application will be reviewed by the memorial's board.

In 1998, Congress designated the Virginia site as the official EMS Memorial in the U.S. Pre-hospital providers who make the ultimate sacrifice are honored during services held during EMS week in May.

Unless he was also trained as a firefighter, he is not eligible for recantation by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, said Ron Siarnicki, executive director.

Chief Siarnicki said the NFFF has specific criteria about its honorees being members of fire departments.

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