Who is James Zadroga? James Zadroga was an NYPD (New York City Police Department) officer who died on 5th January 2006 of a respiratory illness linked to his involvement in rescue and recovery operations at the WTC (World Trade Center) site following the 11th September 2001 terrorist attacks. Zadroga was the first individual whose death was officially recognized as being caused by exposure to toxic chemicals and materials at the 9/11 attack sites.  Since joining the NYPD in 1992, Zadroga had risen in rank and become a Detective. He wasn’t a smoker and had no previous history of respiratory conditions. […]