LAW ENFORCEMENT HONORS DR. JOHN HOWARD & WORLD TRADE CENTER HEALTH PROGRAM TEAM WITH ‘SERVICE ABOVE SELF’ AWARD ON 09/11

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, September 8, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Foundation, in partnership with the Police Unity Tour and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, is proud to announce that the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) team is this year’s honoree for the distinguished ‘Service Above Self’ award. On September 11, 2026, the above-mentioned national law enforcement charitable organizations will present this award to Dr. Howard, WTCHP director, who will be accepting on behalf of the WTCHP team at the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, DC. The award is in recognition of the WTCHP team’s meritorious dedication to providing compassionate health screening and treatment to all 9/11 First Responders enrolled in their program.

As a result of their heroic service during the rescue and recovery phases of the 9/11 response mission at the three impacted locations, First Responders were exposed to fatal airborne toxins. Tragically, numerous 9/11 First Responders have since succumbed to terminal cancers and other illnesses attributed to their sustained exposure to hazardous 9/11-related toxins. In addition to the 72 law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11, 595 law enforcement officers have since succumbed to fatal illnesses associated with their heroic 9/11 service.

Recognizing an anticipated need for health screening and treatment for our 9/11 First Responders, several public safety advocacy groups advocated successfully for the passage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. This act included the creation of the World Trade Center Health Program to provide health and wellness support for 9/11 First Responders. On July 1, 2011, the WTCHP began providing health screening and treatment for our heroes. Dr. Howard was appointed as the first director, and has done a phenomenal job leading an awesome workforce providing dedicated, compassionate care. In addition to overseeing the WTCHP, Dr. Howard also serves as the esteemed director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

The WTCHP is currently staffed by 120 dedicated professionals committed to providing compassionate care for 9/11 First Responders, as well as those who lived or worked in the ‘hot-zone’ of the impacted areas. To date, the esteemed WTCHP workforce has provided health screening and treatment to over 89,000 First Responders. Their unrelenting dedication to supporting the wellness of our 9./11 First Responders is the epitome of the spirit of ‘Service Above Self.’

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The Federal Law Enforcement Officers (F.L.E.O.) Foundation is an IRS 501 (C)(3) charitable organization providing immediate support to FLEOA members, and federal officers and their families impacted by tragic circumstances. The F.L.E.O. Foundation is a proud partner with the Police Unity Tour in hosting the annual 9/11 Fallen Hero Ceremony at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. Please visit https://fleoafoundation.org to make a donation and learn more about the Foundation.

Wendy Cheung
Federal Law Enforcement Officers Foundation
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