Former NYPD Detective's Death Linked to 9/11 Cleanup

April 11, 2006

A New Jersey medical examiner confirmed Tuesday the recent death of a retired NYPD detective was caused by his work at the World Trade Center site following the 9/11 attacks. James Zadroga, 34, died in January from what was called brain and respiratory complications. The union representing NYPD detectives has long argued Zadroga's death was a direct result of his rescue and recovery work at the WTC site, and Tuesday an autopsy report filed by a New Jersey medical examiner confirmed it. “It is felt with a reasonable degree of medical certainty that the cause of death in this case was directly related to the 9/11 incident," said Detectives' Endowment Association President Michael Palladino, quoting the ME’s report. The union says it wants Zadroga's death to be reclassified as a death in the line of duty. This designation will give Zadroga's 4-year-old daughter pension benefits for a longer period of time. Under the current status, she will only be the beneficiary until she is 12. The NYPD has not yet issued a comment about the case.