Every first responder who died in the Sept. 11 terror attacks will be recognized with updated red or blue commemorative street signs ahead of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, The Post has learned.
City Council Speaker Julie Menin (D-Manhattan) is directing $90,000 from her discretionary funding to replace 269 traditional green street signs that were installed soon after Sept. 11, 2001, bearing the names of the fallen heroes on the blocks where they had lived.
Menin, who has long championed 9/11 families, allocated the money after Councilman Phil Wong (D-Queens) asked for assistance, following his decision to raise the issue during a Council hearing in March.
At that hearing, Wong cited a concern from constituent John Vannata, whose late wife, EMT hero Hilda Vannata, died from a 9/11-related illness. Vannata had questioned why the city’s memorial street signs were inconsistent after his wife was honored in 2024 with a red sign.
Wong noted that, in recent years, the city has used blue street signs to commemorate police officers who died in the line of duty — including those who later succumbed to 9/11-related illnesses — while firefighters and EMTs have been honored with red signs.
Wong’s office first asked the city Department of Transportation to swap out the older green 9/11 hero signs. But after DOT said it did not have the funding, Wong sought support from Menin and other Council members, including public safety committee chair Oswald Feliz (D-Bronx) and fire and emergency management committee chair Joann Ariola (R-Queens).
“This is exactly the kind of investment New Yorkers can get behind,” Wong told The Post.
“Honoring the brave men and women of the NYPD and FDNY who made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11 with a commemorative street sign is a small gesture, but one that is absolutely worth the time, effort, and taxpayer dollars.”
Menin said, “Ahead of the 25th anniversary, the Council is recognizing the heroes who lost their lives as a result of the tragic September 11th attacks.”
Feliz added: “Restoring the 9/11 fallen heroes signs reflects our longstanding gratitude and commitment to honor those who gave their lives in service to keep our city safe.”
There were 415 first responders who died during 9/11, but only those who lived in NYC had streets co-named after them.
