NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — A hero to 9/11 victims is stepping up to help first responders with protective gear.
Attorney Michael Barasch, who represented many victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, is now spending his own money to help amid the coronavirus pandemic.
He says many of his clients were sickened after 9/11 because they didn't have the right masks, or any masks at all. Barasch notes that he’s seeing the same thing with the COVID pandemic.
“Shame on us. We weren't prepared after 9/11. We weren't prepared now,” he says. “Hopefully, our legislators will wake up and realize how important it is to stockpile protective equipment for our first responders.”
Barasch's law firm, Barasch McGarry Salzman & Penson, bought 50,000 masks for cops, firefighters and nurses. It's also bringing meals to local hospitals. He's buying the food from local restaurants.
“Let's face it their business is really hurting right now,” he says, adding he wants him to help too.
Barasch wouldn't say how much this is costing, but says it’s worth it.