PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — Upstate New York photographer Damian Battinelli and state trooper Brian Falb shared a connection as two men who served as responders on September 11, 2001 — one of the most memorable days in our nation’s history. Not only linked by their service on that historic day, the two men also share the ties of a cancer both developed as a result of their heroism nearly 20 years ago.

Monday, Battinelli attended his friend’s funeral at a Plattsburgh, New York, church.

“The outpouring was just unbelievable; it was so heartwarming to know that so many people care,” he said. 

The two first met several years ago, when Battinelli was hired to do some photography for the Falb family. Then, not long ago, he saw a poster promoting a benefit for the trooper, who died March 13 from brain cancer. He remembered Falb and reached out to offer his services for free.

“I discovered he also had cancer related to 9/11,” Battinelli said. “That’s where we really started to connect. I kind of thought I was the only one in this area who had come down with cancer from 9/11.”

Battinelli was serving with the U.S. Air National Guard, based in Newburgh, New York, at the time of the 9/11 attacks. He ended up on a security detail at Ground Zero, up to 16-hour days for two weeks straight.

Those on security detail were initially provided face masks but later told the air was safe and they no longer needed to wear them, he said.

Battinelli was diagnosed with bladder cancer about two years ago, during a routine checkup. He said it is fairly uncommon for someone so young and has sometimes been linked to inhalation of toxic fumes from metals. According to his obituary, Falb’s brain cancer was linked to the same thing.

He had successful surgery and has so far remained symptom free. But his condition will likely require a lifetime of monitoring at the very least.

Even as Falb struggled with his own illness, he and his wife, Mary, helped Battinelli earn certification as a 9/11 site responder under the World Trade Center Health Program administered by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.

“I felt really alone,” Battinelli said. “They (Brian and Mary) helped me tremendously with this program. That’s the type of people they are.”

The World Trade Center Health Program came about through the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act, passed by Congress in late 2015. 

Named after a firefighter who died after exposure to toxins at the site, the program provides coverage of medical expenses for those certified as 9/11 responders.

“The big thing I’d like to drive home is if you are sick, start the process,” Battinelli said. “If you need help, it’s there for a lot of people.”

Battinelli said it was rewarding to witness the turnout for the service to honor Falb’s passing.

“It just goes to show, again, just what type of person Brian was.”

Heath writes for the Plattsburgh, New York Press Republican.