| Today's post is shared from nyt.com/ Thursday marks the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, a very difficult commemoration for all Americans. One of the first responders who was there credits an Albany Law School professor for easing the pain for him and potentially for hundreds more. Jaime Hazen is a former emergency medical technician who immediately went to the scene on 9/11 to volunteer with rescue efforts, but later, when he developed serious health problems, workers comp turned him down, until the Albany Law Professor donated his services. “Every year at this time, it opens up old wound for all Americans,” says Hazan, noting the tears come far too easily this time each year. “It was a war zone, a war zone, hell,” he recalled. A former EMT living on Manhattan’s Upper West Side at the time, Hazan rushed first to Chelsea Piers to help with triage -- then to Ground Zero itself to volunteer for recovery efforts. Later, like thousands of others Hazan developed serious breathing problems. "I have had two surgeries and I need another surgery now," said Hazan. “This is a group of people who really need to be compensated,” said Albany Law School Professor Mike Hutter. He got involved after the Workers Compensation Board told Hazan and others who volunteered but were not affiliated with a rescue agency that they were not eligible for benefits. Hutter took... |
