Michael O’Connell

Michael O’Connell is a retired FDNY firefighter who responded to 9/11 as a 25-year-old probationary firefighter. He spent the next weeks searching for human life in the rubble, all while breathing in toxic dust and fumes. This exposure ultimately developed into a rare autoimmune disease called sarcoidosis.

Michael’s advocacy in the years since has been instrumental in helping the 9/11 community secure healthcare benefits.