Many first responders who were at ground zero on 9/11 stepped up during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the threat of the virus and ground zero-related illnesses.

William Menendez was an NYPD detective 20 years ago. He captured the moments after the attacks on the World Trade Center with a camera and spent three months at ground zero.

Menendez says his time at ground zero took a toll on his health as he struggles with breathing and has been diagnosed with asthma.

He says when the pandemic hit, he was even more fearful for his health, but it didn't stop him from stepping up when he was needed once again.

"I've been a volunteer fireman for 46 years. Member of Brentwood Ambulance for 21 years," Menendez says. "I also work part-time for several funeral homes and the hospital, and I work security at Good Samaritan Hospital."

He worked all those jobs throughout the pandemic and miraculously never got sick. Other first responders, though, did get COVID-19.

"I can honestly say that was the first time in my adult life. No. In my whole life that I was afraid," says John Feal, of the Feal Good Foundation, about his experience having COVID-19.

Feal worked in construction at ground zero and now helps other responders experiencing 9/11-related illnesses with his foundation.

On 9/11, 343 firefighters died - and even more in the years since. The 9/11 Memorial Wall in Nesconset honors responders who have passed.

This year 293 names will be added - the most since it was created. Nearly 50 of those men and women died of COVID-related illnesses.

Menendez and all the responders agree that pandemic or terrorist attack, they would likely go through all they've gone through again.

The 293 names will be added to the memorial wall on Sept. 18.