FBI Agents Association Statement on 23rd Anniversary of 9/11 Terrorist Attacks
Washington, DC – FBI Agents Association (FBIAA) President Natalie Bara issues the following statement on the 23rd anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks:
“FBIAA solemnly remembers the victims of the 9/11 attacks and extends our deepest sympathies to their families. We honor the extraordinary courage and dedication of all first responders who selflessly served our nation on that day and throughout the subsequent investigations.
We pay tribute to FBI Special Agent Leonard “Lenny” Hatton and former FBI Special Agent John P. O’Neill, who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center. Agent Hatton rushed to the World Trade Center, providing critical information to the FBI and assisting in leading people to safety. Mr. O’Neill, who had recently become Chief of Security for the World Trade Center, bravely returned to aid others after escaping the North Tower. Their heroism exemplifies the highest ideals of service and sacrifice.
Our thoughts are with the FBI Special Agents, FBI employees and other first responders who continue to battle illnesses resulting from their exposure to hazardous materials at the 9/11 sites. The World Trade Center Health Program reports that over 60,000 emergency responders, recovery, and cleanup workers have been diagnosed with 9/11-related illnesses, including more than 300 FBI employees.
We honor the memory of the 19 FBI Special Agents, eight FBI professional staff members, and a member of the FBI Police who have succumbed to 9/11-related illnesses: Special Agents Dennis Bonelli, Steven A. Carr, William R. Craig, Brian L. Crews, Laurie Fournier, Leonard “Lenny” Hatton, Jack Hess, Jerry D. Jobe, Mark C. Johnston, David J. LeValley, Mark J. Mikulski, Thomas Mohnal, Melissa S. Morrow, Robert M. Roth, Gerard D. Senatore, Rex A. Stockham, Paul H. Wilson, Wesley J. Yoo, and Todd Spiker; Professional employees Shannon Beck, Anne Call, Nicole Conti, Diane Hunt, Gladys Lee, William “Homer” Lewis, Bryan Myers, and Saul Tocker; and FBI Police Lieutenant Yiu Tak “Louis” Tao.
Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
The FBIAA remains committed to supporting Agents battling 9/11-related illnesses and their families. We continue to facilitate access to essential assistance and benefits from the U.S. Department of Labor, World Trade Center Health Program, Victims Compensation Fund (VCF), and other resources. Fallen Agents from 9/11-related illnesses are now recognized on the FBI Wall of Honor, and our Memorial College Fund continues to provide substantial support for the education of children of Agents who have passed away.
FBIAA strongly encourages all Agents to register with The World Trade Center Health Program (www.cdc.gov/wtc/) and the VCF (www.vcf.gov). These programs are vital for ensuring that those affected receive the care and support they deserve.
As we mark this solemn anniversary, we reaffirm our dedication to honoring the memory of those we’ve lost and supporting those who continue to bear the physical and emotional scars of that day. The resilience and unity demonstrated by FBI Agents, employees and other law enforcement and responders in the wake of 9/11 continue to inspire us in our ongoing mission to protect and serve the American people.”
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The FBI Agents Association (FBIAA) is an organization dedicated to providing support and advocacy to active and former Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Membership includes more than 14,000 active and former Special Agents of the FBI. For more information, please visit www.fbiaa.org.
