New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Sunday, May 13, 2007
Age: 46
Tour of Duty: 20 years
Badge Number: 6381
Cause of Death: 9/11 related illness
Date of Incident: September 11, 2001
Weapon Used: Aircraft; Passenger jet
Suspect Info: 19 suicide attackers
Detective Robert Williamson died of pancreatic and lung cancer he developed as a result of his work at Ground Zero, the site of the World Trade Center terrorist attack of 9/11.
Detective Williamson responded to the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, shortly after the two towers had collapsed. While he was working at the site, World Trade Center building 7 collapsed, but Detective Williamson was able to escape unharmed.
During the following months, Detective Williamson worked hundreds of hours at the Ground Zero site, where he inhaled toxic chemicals and materials. The inhalation of those chemicals led to the development of cancer. During the subsequent years, his pancreas, spleen, gallbladder, most of his stomach, and parts of his intestines and lungs became cancerous. On May 13, 2007, Detective Williamson died as a result of his work at Ground Zero.
Detective Williamson served with the New York City Police Department for 20 years and was assigned to the Street Crime Unit. He is survived by his wife and three children.