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Parker Waichman LLP, a national law firm that has spent many years fighting to ensure that the first responders and survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks are never forgotten, applauds retired firefighter Ray Pfeifer for both his heroism and his dedication to reauthorizing the Zadroga Act. PIX11 reports that Mr. Pfeifer was presented with a key to New York City for his efforts. After helping clean up the World Trade Center site for eight months, he developed stage four cancer and now must use a wheelchair. Still, Mr. Pfeifer made over one-dozen trips to Washington, DC to push for Zadroga reauthorization, always deferring from the spotlight, stating, “I don’t know why I’m here. I … everybody did something. I want to be up there with the guys on the back step.”
“That wheelchair became a sword,” said 9/11 responder and advocate John Feal. “That wheelchair was symbolic of those who were home who could not be there in DC to fight with us,” Mr. Feal added, according to PIX11.
The Zadroga Act was first passed in 2010. The Act reopened the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) and established the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program, which provides medical treatment and monitoring to sick responders and survivors. Congress recently voted to reauthorize the Act and, on December 18, 2015, President Obama signed the bill into law, which reauthorized the Act. The WTC Health Program is extended for another 75 years to 2090 with $3.5 billion in funding to monitor and care for 73,000 responders and survivors. The VCF was set to expire October 1, 2016 and is extended for another five years to 2021 with $4.6 billion in funding.
“The firm applauds this honor being awarded to Ray Pfeifer, who is a truly selfless hero,” said Matthew J. McCauley, Senior Litigation Counsel at Parker Waichman. “After sacrificing his health for our country, he never stopped fighting for his fellow responders.”
Parker Waichman has consistently stood alongside responders, survivors, and advocates in the continuous fight to reauthorize the Act. The firm took part in lobbying efforts and trips to the nation’s capital, often along with the firm’s clients—other responders and survivors—, as well as taking part in numerous delegations and rallies. The firm remains dedicated to fighting for the rights of responders and survivors.
The firm continues its efforts to safeguard these heroes and ensure that all of the deserved Zadroga Act compensation is received. To determine eligibility for compensation under the Act, or for assistance with a claim, please visit Parker Waichman’s website or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).
Release ID: 101505