NEW YORK CITY – UFA President Gerard Fitzgerald made the following comments on the death of 
retired FF Ronald Svec from 9-11-related cancers: “ We will lay to rest one of New York City’s bravest, retired firefighter Ronald Svec. Last Friday we lost Ronnie after a nine-year battle with cancer caused by his service at the World Trade Center site following the 9-11 attacks. Ronnie, who was retired from Ladder 82 in Staten Island, was one of the best firemen to serve Great Kills. He was the perfect senior firefighter as he was always eager to show the new guys how to operate the tools safely. He was only 63 years old.
In the years since 9-11, NYC firefighters have been losing great men and women to the illnesses suffered during, and following the aftermath, of the terrorist attacks on our nation.
Ret FF. Ronald Svec’s death is a sad reminder that New York City Firefighters and other first responders continue to get sick and pass away in high numbers due to cancers and other diseases caused by breathing the toxic air at the World Trade Center. Already this year and more than 15 years after the tragic event, four firefighters have passed away due to 9-11-related illnesses.
His funeral will take place today at 10:30 am in Spring Lake, NJ.
New York City and the country will never forget the sacrifices that Ronnie and many more of our brave firefighters have made. The UFA Executive Board and our entire membership extends our heartfelt condolences to his family and to those he served with.”
