Jon Stewart: 9/11 First Responder Gets Key to New York City from Former ‘Daily Show’ Host

Former Daily Show host Jon Stewart has mainly made headlines as of late by his relentless attempt, and now success, in getting Congress to further pass the 9/11 Zadroga Act, which offers healthcare to first responders who gave their aid during the attacks at New York's World Trade Center back in 2001. Recently, the comedian was offered the chance to give one of those first responders the Key to New York City alongside Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Per a report from CBS, Stewart appeared with Mayor de Blasio at City Hall this past Saturday to honor former firefighter Ray Pfeifer. New York's mayor kicked off the event, noting, "For a week after that horrible day, Ray slept on his fire truck. He was on at Ground Zero for the next eight months scouring the debris."

The mayor further noted that when asked why he stayed at the wreck, Pfeifer noted that it was to find his friends.

The James Zadroga Act, after much argument from both Stewart and many 9/11 first responders, was successfully extended last month, and it now guarantees healthcare to "tens of thousands of first responders" who made their way to the Twin Towers during the attacks on 9/11.

Of the former firefighter, Stewart noted that he loved him. "He is a great example to all of us how to live our lives with grace and with selflessness."

Before the bill was extended last month, Stewart visited his old go-to, The Daily Show, to explain the importance of passing a bill such as the James Zadroga Act.

 Tonight! A young man has something to say about congressional inaction on a 9/11 bill. #SeniorJonStewartCorrespondent

A photo posted by The Daily Show (@thedailyshow) on Dec 7, 2015 at 4:20pm PST

Tune in NOW at https://t.co/UoTc6dwjd5: Mayor @BilldeBlasio presents @FDNY FF Ray Pfeifer with the to the . pic.twitter.com/Uyj70abaKI — NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) January 9, 2016