Linda Ohlson
FDNY-EMS
New York, New York
On the morning of September 11, 2001, Linda Ohlson and her husband Rudy, also a first responder, were on the site of the worst terror attacks on American soil at New York City’s World Trade Center. Neither knew at the time that the events that unfolded would affect them for the rest of their lives, eventually taking both. In 2008 Rudy succumbed to years of suffering severe PTSD.
Never looking for pity, Linda became active in many groups, including the National Survivors of Suicide. She found help in using the pain she endured to help others. “I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, as hard as that is to say sometimes,” she said. “I have helped a lot of people, and try to help anyone I can. There is a lot of help out there, so if you know someone or have the urge yourself, get help. It’s not a joke.”
Even as her illness worsened, her employees knew her as an amazing boss who was always happy and giddy and “down for anything.” Many accredited her with making work enjoyable by just being there.
Linda died of complications of illness directly related to exposure of toxins at the World Trade Center site on February 17, 2014.
Honored 2016