Officials say three retired FDNY firefighters recently passed away on the same day from cancer contracted at Ground Zero.

Retired New York City firefighters, Howard Bischoff from New Jersey, Robert Leaver from upstate and Long Island resident Daniel Heglund of Rocky Point died of cancer on Monday. Their deaths were related to the toxic dust created by the collapse of the World Trade Center.

Heglund's brother, Paul, also a New York City firefighter, worked side by side with his brother for nine months on the Sept. 11 pile. The two brothers were devoted to recovering the victims.

"He was one of the first members to take me under his wing when I came in," said Kevin Dearie, of the Centerport Fire Department. "His wife and kids were always around him. They were always doing stuff together."

In total, close to 100 firefighters have succumbed to illnesses related to rescue efforts 13 years ago.

A wake for Heglund is being held tonight at Branch Funeral Home in Miller Place. His funeral service will take place at the Centerport Fire House Friday morning.