STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A new law signed earlier this year will help some New Yorkers honor the legacy of a fallen family member by following in their footsteps of civil service.

In September, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the “Ignazio Giacalone act,” which provides children and siblings of New York City sanitation workers who have died from 9/11-related illnesses and injuries with additional civil service exam points.

Giacalone, who died in 2021 from cancer stemming from his work at ground zero, is one of more than 100 sanitation workers who lost their lives to 9/11-related illnesses.

“As the youngest member of the Assembly, I believe it is my generation’s duty to ensure the sacrifices of the past are never forgotten. This bill honors the legacy of sanitation workers, like Ignazio, who put their lives on the line for New York. But more, signing this bill into law is a statement from New York State that we see you, we thank you, and we will never forget your heroism and your sacrifice,” said Assemblymember Sam Berger, a Democrat who represents parts of Queens.

Eligible New Yorkers who pass a civil service exam will receive 10 additional points when applying for a position in the municipality where their deceased parent or sibling served.

The additional points are only applied once an exam has been passed, meaning they can move an eligible applicant up the hiring list, but cannot turn a failing grade into a passing one.

The new law was one of several signed by Hochul on Sept. 11 to support the families of those who lost their lives as a result of that tragic day.

“The 9/11 terrorist attacks are events that we will never forget. We must continue to honor the fallen heroes who put their lives on the line to protect New Yorkers, as well as their families who have been impacted by these horrific events,” Hochul said. “This legislation will give back to the families of 9/11 victims, ensuring they are supported by the state and their loved ones are forever remembered.”

One of the new laws, sponsored by State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, expedites the World Trade Center disability and death benefit application process.

Under the legislation, the NYC Police Pension Fund can now rely on a timely and properly filed Notice of Participation as requisite criteria for establishing participation in rescue, recovery and cleanup operations at the World Trade Center, unless an employer proves otherwise.

“Every year on this day, New York feels the weight of the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center, but no one more so than the brave first responders who returned to Ground Zero day after day, putting their health on the line for our city. For them, 9/11 is something they grapple with every day, not just through memory, but through the countless health complications that have arisen for them since,” said Scarcella-Spanton, a Democrat who represents the North Shore and South Brooklyn.

“The least we can do is make sure they receive the benefits they earned through their dedicated service, which is why I introduced this legislation to cut through all the existing red tape. Securing these benefits has been an uphill battle for too many 9/11 first responders, and I’m proud that on this 24th anniversary, Governor Hochul signed my bill into law. Now every officer who risked everything to protect our city — and their families — can access the benefits they deserve,” she continued.

Another new law revitalizes the September 11th Worker Protection Task Force by requiring new appointments to the task force, setting a biannual meeting requirement, expanding areas of study, resetting the June deadline for the annual report and extending the provisions of the act until June 10, 2030.

“I applaud Governor Hochul’s leadership by signing these bills into law, including A.8417, which strengthens and extends the impactful work of the 9/11 Task Force, along with A.5458 which will allow for survivors and heroes from that horrendous day to be eligible to obtain the vital benefits they deserve. It’s clear that when New York says we’ll never forget — we mean it,” said Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato, a Democrat who represents parts of Queens.