Firefighter Battles Cancer Linked to 9/11 Heroism

Monroe Township firefighter Dave Nadeau is currently battling stage four stomach cancer, a diagnosis connected to his critical service at Ground Zero in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Nadeau and his colleagues from the Monroe Township Fire Department arrived in New York City on September 12, 2001, where they undertook the grim task of searching for human remains and assisted with fire suppression at 7 World Trade Center.

To support Nadeau and his family, friends Heather Broman and Dana Trowbridge are hosting a fundraiser dinner on September 11th. This event aims to give back to a man who has consistently given to his community. The fundraiser will feature a dinner and raffle, taking place from 5-9 p.m. at the VFW Hall, located at 400 Jones Ave. in Monroe. Tickets are priced at $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

Nadeau's situation highlights the ongoing health crisis faced by thousands of first responders and survivors affected by the toxic environment at Ground Zero. The World Trade Center Health Program, as of a 2025 quarterly summary, has enrolled over 50,000 individuals with 9/11-related diagnoses, underscoring the long-term consequences of that tragic event.