Bunker Coat
- Description
- Bunker coat issued to FDNY firefighter Ray Pfeifer. The coat is black with interior quilting and yellow reflective striping around the chest, waist, upper sleeve, and wrist area. On the upper left sleeve is the East Meadow Volunteer Fire Department patch. The coat is covered in handwritten signatures and messages written in silver-colored marker.
- Historical Notes
- This bunker coat belonged to FDNY Firefighter Ray Pfeifer, who died in 2017. Pfeifer’s battle against 9/11-related cancer became a symbol for advocates pressing the federal government to fund long-term care for those sickened by toxic exposure. These advocates were joined by comedian Jon Stewart, who brought public attention to the cause. The nearly-two-decades-long campaign secured funding into the 2090s. Before Stewart’s 2019 Congressional testimony, advocates signed this bunker coat and presented it to him to thank him for his support.
- Accession Number: IL.2025.21.1
- Dimensions: unavailable
- Credit Line: Courtesy of Jon Stewart
9/11-Inspired ServiceHealth EffectsNever Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act. New York City Fire Department (FDNY)Rescue and Recovery
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