Expanded memorial for fallen EMS workers unveiled

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- It was a somber day at Empire State Plaza Thursday as a new memorial honoring fallen first responders was unveiled. The names of the eight fallen EMS workers were added, which brought the total to 125.

Officials said the need to expand the memorial serves as a reminder of the dangers EMS workers face every day.

"A memorial that we hope never needs to use its full capacity, which can hold over 300 names," NYS Bureau of Emergency Medical Services Staff Dir. Ryan Greenberg said. "A memorial that weighs over 30,000 pounds. An unimaginable weight for most of us, but the weight that's needed to hold the memories of each of those honorees that are on it."

Six of the eight fallen EMS workers, who were honored Thursday, died from 9/11-related illnesses.