Robert W. Williamson

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.

Detective Williamson served with the New York City Police Department for 20 years and was assigned to the Street Crime Unit.

Robert W. "Bobby" Williamson was appointed to the New York City Police Department on 26 January 1982. He served for several years as a delegate for the 5th Precinct, then transferred to Street Crime, where he was promoted to detective in June 1999. His last command was the Patrol Borough Manhattan South Anti-Crime Unit. In 20 years on the force he made 368 arrests, 203 of them for felonies, and was recognized 38 times for excellent police duty, meritorious service and other commendations.

After the attacks of 11 September 2001, Detective Williamson worked 16-hour days at Ground Zero and at the Staten Island Landfill. He was at the site when Building Seven collapsed and escaped without injury. Over the following five years he developed many illnesses linked to that work. Cancer spread to his pancreas, spleen, gall bladder, most of his stomach and parts of his intestines and lungs. Those who worked with him were struck by his courage, humor and optimism throughout his illness.

Detective Williamson died in the early hours of 13 May 2007. He was 45 years old, and his was one of the early line-of-duty deaths from World Trade Center illness. He was survived by his wife and three children.