FDNY first responder deaths from 9/11-related diseases now equal deaths from attacks

The number of first responders from the New York City Fire Department who have died from 9/11-related illnesses has reached 343, matching the number who lost their lives on the day of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Two more members of the FDNY died this September from 9/11-related illnesses, shortly after the 22nd anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks, according to a statement on social media from the fire department.

Hilda Vannata, an emergency medical technician for the fire department, died on September 20 from cancer, says the department.

Vannata was born in Puerto Rico and moved to New York City as a child, according to her obituary.

She joined the fire department in 1988 and served as an EMT with Battalion 14-Lincoln Hospital for 26 years, the obituary stated.

Retired firefighter Robert Fulco died Saturday morning from pulmonary fibrosis, making him the second member to lose their lives this week, according to the fire department.

"We have long known this day was coming, yet its reality is astounding just the same," said Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh in a statement.