The FDNY honored 21 first responders who died of illnesses related to their work after the September 11th attacks.



Fire officials added their names to the World Trade Center Memorial Wall at department headquarters.

There are now 110 names on the plaque.

Families of those honored say they are touched by tribute, and those fighting illness now say they're glad their struggle is being recognized.



"It means that the New York City Fire Department is as proud of him as we are," said Matthew Gremse, the son of a fallen firefighter. "He was everything to us, and it shows that it means something to them, too."

"It is scary. It's scary that we're getting sick so fast, and young guys and young people are getting sick," said Ray Pfeifer, a retired firefighter. "We're just happy that the city finally and the government finally recognize that we are getting sick and dying from 9/11 sicknesses."



The FDNY says more than 10,000 past and present members of the department are battling illnesses caused by their work after September 11th.



