Died from illnesses contracted as a result of work on the rescue and recovery from the World Trade Center attacks of September 11, 2001. Detective John Russo died as a direct result of illnesses he contracted after inhaling toxic materials as he participated in the rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site following the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001. Detective Russo served with the New York City Police Department for 36 years and was assigned to the Technical Assistance and Response Unit.