The number of first responders who have died from 9/11-related illnesses now equals the number of firefighters who lost their lives the day of the attack.

The FDNY held a news conference this morning to make the grim announcement.

FDNY officials say a total of 343 FDNY members have died from illnesses contracted after working at ground zero.

Fire officials also say 11,000 firefighters are suffering from similar illnesses, including 3,500 with cancer.

The announcement comes weeks after the country marked 22 years since the Sept. 11 attacks.