911 FDNY hero seen in iconic photograph dies of lung disease

2/3/13, “Hero FDNY lieutenant who was part of memorable 9/11 rescue photograph laid to rest after contracting rare lung disease from working at ground zero,” UK Daily Mail, Beth Stebner


“First responders: Lt Fullam, far left, was one of the rescue workers carrying fatally-injured FDNY Chaplain, Father Mychal Judge, from one of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.” Reuters

“After Lt Fullam heard of what happened at the World Trade Center on the morning of September 11, 2001, he rushed to the site, even though he wasn’t on duty that day….

He spent the following weeks and months working at Ground Zero, looking for survivors, and later bodies.

The Staten Island Advance reports that he was one of thousands who filed claims against the city over his chronic illness.

Later, he fought for the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, which President Obama signed into law in 2010.

Lt Fullam suffered from pulmonary fibrosis in his lungs, and was diagnosed in 2005 with polymyositis, an inflammatory disease that led to pain and extreme muscle weakness. He also was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, which made breathing extremely difficult.

In April of 2009, he received a lung transplant at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Medical Center.

‘I truly think I’m the luckiest person in the world,’ he said at the time from a wheelchair as he left the hospital. Dozens of uniformed servicemen were applauding his continued courage.

In total, Lt Fullam served 27 years with the FDNY, working in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Manhattan.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia, and his daughters, Caroline, Emma, and Kelly.” via Free Republic

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