9/11 rescuers are owed better

It is appalling that our federal officials should decide how much of the 9/11 heroes' illnesses are related to 9/11 ["Out of the ruins of 9/11," News, Feb. 13]. What has happened to our country?

When these rescuers went into the buildings and up the staircases, did they stop and ask themselves whether they would need medical or financial help later? No, they went in.

We cheered them on and praised them, but at the end, our government is not there. These officials should look closer at their decisions.

Georgianna Tortorella

Hauppauge