Only yesterday, it seems.

And yet the lingering effects of that cataclysmic event are very much today. They are in the daily headlines from Iraq and Afghanistan and wherever else the war on terror is fought. They are in the tearful memorials that are held around this time of year to honor the fatal victims and to comfort their survivors. And they are in the lungs, the hearts and other vital organs of many of our members who continue to pay for their selfless dedication to the rescue-and-recovery effort with their health — and sometimes their lives.

In recent months it has become increasingly obvious that exposure to the toxic mix at Ground Zero, the Staten Island landfill and the morgue was extremely hazardous to one’s health. It is also obvious that our members have received precious little information as to what specific types of health consequences they are experiencing and reporting, other than vague references to sinus, breathing and mental health issues — all of which are serious but do not represent the full range of illnesses our members are experiencing.

That’s why the PBA has established a registry on our website (see article in centerfold) to which our members can report illnesses to aid other officers experiencing symptoms. Through this shared information, those affected can take the steps necessary to seek early treatment and prevent the development of more serious health conditions.

On Sept. 11, 2001 — chronologically five years ago, seemingly only yesterday, and in some ways very much today — we lost 23 cops at the World Trade Center. Unfortunately, that death toll appears to be rising because of the aftereffects of the tragedy. Now it’s time to concern ourselves with tomorrow and what it may bring to the health and lives of our members. And it’s time for the city, state and federal governments to do all they can to see that those tomorrows are not filled with more tragedy for our members.

Pat Lynch
President