9/11 hero turned NYC firefighter dies of cancer at 45
A 9/11 emergency responder who saved hundreds following the attack in 2011 has died of cancer at age 45.
Authorities said Thomas Phelan, a New York ferry captain who later became a city firefighter, died Friday.
The New York City Fire Department said when the Twin Towers were hit, Phelan helped ferry people from Lower Manhattan.
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In 2003, Phelan joined the FDNY as a firefighter and was promoted to Marine pilot, according to authorities.
Mayor Bill de Blasio sent a tweet Sunday honoring Phelan's service and sacrifice.
Phelan is one of the thousands of victims of cancer linked to the 9/11 attack.
His funeral is scheduled for Tuesday in Brooklyn.
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