On January 5, 2006, retired Detective James Zadroga passed away as a result of various respiratory and digestive diseases and disorders developed from his exposure to the remains of the World Trade Center. Zadroga was the first member of the NYPD whose post-9/11 death was directly linked by a medical examiner to the rescue, recovery, and clean-up efforts of the terrorist attacks.

Zadroga grew up in North Arlington, New Jersey where his father was a police chief. He attended Bergen Community College and was appointed to the NYPD in 1992. His first assignment was the 6th Precinct in Manhattan. In early 1997, he transferred to the Street Crime Unit in Queens, where he was promoted to Detective in June of 1999.

Like thousands of other members of the service, Zadroga was reassigned to 9/11 rescue, recovery and clean up efforts and logged approximately 500 hours of duty in the World Trade Center rubble. He began having breathing difficulties when he returned to his new command, the 25 Squad, in late December of 2001. He transferred to Manhattan South Homicide in June of 2002, but his medical condition worsened. He retired on a disability November 1, 2004.

James' ailments had already taken an irreversible toll on his wife Ronda, who died the same year from medical issues exacerbated by the family's stress.

As his illnesses progressed, Zadroga was required to use a wheelchair and remain on oxygen around the clock. He moved in with his parents in New Jersey so they could assist with his daughter, Tyler Ann, who survives him. At the time of his death, James Zadroga was 34 years old.

The DEA Widows' and Children's Fund has established a trust for the future needs of Tyler Ann, who was only four years old when her father died.

Persons wishing to donate to this fund can send donations to ...

Tyler Ann Zadroga Fund
Detectives' Endowment Association, Inc.
Widows' and Children's Fund
26 Thomas Street
New York, NY 10007

Donations are tax deductible.

Funds should be made payable to the DEA Widows' and Children's Fund and include a notation earmarking the donation specifically for Tyler Ann Zadroga.