The deadline for 9/11 first responders exposed to toxic dust at ground zero to secure benefits with the New York State Workers Compensation Board is this Sunday.

Greenport volunteer firefighter Anton Volinski was one of thousands of first responders who ran to the wreckage of the World Trade Center.

"We just did what we had to do - we didn't know if there was anything wrong with anything down there," Volinski says.

He was diagnosed with throat cancer over 20 years after the attacks but received disability benefits to help with his treatment after filing a claim with the New York State Workers Compensation Board.

Volinski is urging other Sept. 11 first responders to register with the board before the deadline.

"You put your life in your hands when you went down there - the best thing to do now is get compensated," Volinski says.

Sept. 11 benefits attorney Beth Jablon says the benefits are for all first responders even if they are outside of the NYPD and FDNY.

Anyone who participated in the rescue, recovery and cleanup of the World Trade Center between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 12, 2002 is eligible to register here.

Among the disability benefits are lost wages and accidental death benefits for family members if the applicant dies.