9/11 first responders say they're furious about reported staffing cuts to WTC Health Program
Former volunteer firefighter who worked at ground zero speaks with News 12 about his frustrations after learning about staffing cuts to the World Trade Center Health Program.
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Former Nassau County volunteer firefighter Richard Rolle worked at ground zero after the 9/11 attacks
He and other first responders spoke with News 12 after hearing about staffing cuts at the World Trade Center Health Program.
As News 12 has reported, the program monitors and pays for medical treatment for more than 137,000 people with illness linked to their time at or near ground zero.
"I have emphysema, COPD, I have stuff going on in my throat, sinus surgery, just had a procedure done on my lung," said Rolle.
Multiple people have told News 12 that Dr. John Howard, the program's director, has been fired and nearly all of his staff has been let go.
Rolle credits Dr. Howard for helping him to get approved for a breathing medication he couldn't afford.
"We need this guy in there, this guy created such an amazing system for us, it's not perfect, but it's working," said Rolle.
The cuts come as the Department of Health and Human Services says it's working to combine multiple agencies to save taxpayers nearly $2 billion a year.
New York Rep. Andrew Garbarino called the situation a "unfortunate mistake."
"I have already met with the White House. They understand that this is top priority and are treating it with a sense of urgency," he told News 12 in a statement.
"We are tired of fighting for our health care, it's getting worse, people dying, suffering and dying, when is this going to end," said Rolle.
He adds that he thinks the WTC Health Program should hire more people, because of what he says are the ever growing number of people who are being diagnosed with 9/11-related illnesses.
"Get it back in place and if anything we need more people in there," said Rolle.
