A firefighter killed during the World Trade Center attack on September 11th, 2001, has been identified 18 years later.
On the 18th anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attack in the history of the United States, in which nearly 3,000 people lost their lives and a further 6,000 were seriously injured, the remains of first responder Michael Haub were finally laid to rest.
Per New York Daily News, the Uniformed Firefighters Association states that a memorial service was subsequently held in Franklin Square on Tuesday, September 10, to provide Haub's family and loved ones the closure they had been denied for nearly two decades.
Michael Haub was 34-years-old when he lost his life attempting to battle the blaze and rescue the injured on the day of the horrific atrocity. He was a 13-year veteran of the firefighter's service and had been working with Ladder Company Four in midtown Manhattan for two years when he died. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Haub's remains were positively ID'd earlier last week through forensics. Confirmation was only made possible when the medical examiner was able to analyze more of Haub's remains recovered from the lobby debris of the south tower at Ground Zero.
To positively determine the identities of the deceased victims, forensic analysts extract the leftover genetic material recovered and preserved from the personal effects of the dead. The medical examiners then pulverize leftover fragments of bone and compare a DNA from the samples with those extracted from the bones.
In addition to those who have perished on the day of the disaster, a great many firefighters have since lost their lives as a result of medical complications caused by inhaling dust and debris.
Commenting on the deaths of first responders, Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro stated: "It is almost incomprehensible that after losing 343 members on September 11, we have now had 200 more FDNY members die due to World Trade Center illness. These heroes gave their lives bravely fighting to rescue and recover others. We will never forget them."
According to Forensic Magazine and as reported in CNN earlier this year, approximately 40 percent of the 2,753 people killed still have not been identified - that's over 1,100 people. Yet their memory lives on forever.
