Steven Bonano, a hero NYPD chief and 9/11 first responder, died Saturday from a rare form of blood cancer believed to be tied to his time at Ground Zero.

The Bronx-born Bonano, who served as commander of the NYPD’s elite Emergency Service Unit, passed away early Saturday morning at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center with friends and family at his bedside, officials said. He was 53. More.

As FDNY first responders come down with 9/11-related illnesses at an ever-quickening rate, one survivor battling stage-four cancer still calls it the best job in the world. And he’s thrilled his son is following in his footsteps.

“It was exciting from day one up to the last day I worked, every single minute,” retired firefighter Ray Pfeifer told the Daily News. “I was proud every day to put that uniform on.” More.

An ad hoc group of supporters are planning to construct a September 11 memorial park adjacent to the fire station on North Putt Corners Road and Henry Dubois Drive. Supporter Butch Dener on Friday said efforts are being made to have the park opened by the anniversary this year and has gotten the support of several organizations.

In the past decade due to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the term post-traumatic stress disorder has become the focus of countless headlines and has entered the collective conscience. But it is far from a new concept. During previous wars in history, the term for PTSD was known as soldier’s heart, shell shock, battle fatigue, and war neurosis, among others. As ancient, is its flipside: post-traumatic growth. More.