Family of Newburgh Firefighter Killed on 9/11 Pushes Congress for Compensation Fairness
NEWBURGH, N.Y. — Twenty-five years after Newburgh firefighter John J. Giordano died while responding to the September 11 terrorist attacks, his children are urging Congress to correct compensation rules that excluded their family and others who suffered similar losses.
Giordano, 47, was an FDNY firefighter assigned to Engine 37 and Haz-Mat Battalion 11. He was among the 343 New York City firefighters killed during rescue operations at the World Trade Center.
His children, Jonathan, Jessica and Jordan Giordano, were 14, 11 and 3 years old when their father died. The family initially waited more than a month for confirmation after Giordano was reported missing following his entry into the South Tower.
In the years since, the siblings have carried their father’s memory through major milestones while working through the emotional effects of losing him at such young ages. Jonathan and Jessica Giordano have spoken openly about their mental-health struggles, healing and renewed Christian faith.
Their family is now supporting the proposed No 9/11 Family Left Behind Act, which would make certain families eligible for compensation they previously could not receive through the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund.
Congress expanded eligibility in 2019 to include certain estates, spouses and dependents of people killed during the attacks. However, applicants were required to file by February 19, 2020. Families who missed that deadline were later excluded from additional catch-up payments, despite otherwise meeting the eligibility requirements.
The proposed legislation, introduced by U.S. Reps. Dan Goldman and Jerry Nadler, would establish a new category allowing those families to receive a lump-sum catch-up payment. Lawmakers estimate approximately 150 families, representing between 400 and 500 claimants, could become eligible.
Jessica Giordano said the legislation would correct what she described as a painful unfairness and provide meaningful financial relief to families still living with the consequences of September 11.
The measure remains pending before Congress.
Source: Vandana Saras, Times Herald-Record, and official information from the offices of Rep. Dan Goldman and Rep. Mike Lawler.
Photo Credit: Provided by Jonathan Giordano
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