Marking the anniversary of the terror attacks Wednesday morning, FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker said that most of the firefighters currently serving the FDNY joined after 9/11, but honoring and remembering those who lost their lives on that day will forever be integral to the fire department.

“Eighty percent of our department came on after 9/11, but it is a critical part of my tenure as commissioner to make sure that one, we never forget the 343 members that perished that morning,” Tucker said during a "Mornings On 1" interview. “Two, we honor them and their families routinely. And three, [we remain] laser focused on the 370 members and their families as well who have perished since 9/11 of related cancers from the rescue and recovery effort.”

Inside all of New York City’s 217 firehouses is a memorial to the men and women of the FDNY who responded to the World Trade Center 23 years ago but never returned.

Tucker, who was appointed the commissioner of the FDNY less than a month ago, touted the resilience and strength of its members, saying the department is the greatest in the world.

“It's extraordinarily resilient. This department has completely rebuilt itself since the horrific morning on September 11. We are stronger, we are smarter, we are better resourced. I am in awe of the EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, fire marshals, fire protection inspectors all across our department and their bravery,” Tucker said.

FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito, who joined Tucker for the interview, echoed that sentiment and praised the selfless acts of courage seen on that Sept. 11.

“You know, they came from all parts of the city. They knew people needed help, and I believe that many of them knew that they were not going to go home that night, and they still pressed on and did their job, trying to save as many lives as possible,” Esposito said.