Bob Beckwith, the retired New York City firefighter who famously stood alongside President George W. Bush on the rubble at Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks, has passed away at the age of 91. The exact cause of his death has not yet been disclosed, but Beckwith had been battling malignant skin cancer and other health issues.
Three days after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, President Bush, while addressing firefighters at the World Trade Center site, was captured standing next to Bob Beckwith with his arm around him. Both men were perched atop a charred fire truck amidst the wreckage.
Former U.S. Rep. Peter King expressed his condolences on social media, remembering Bob Beckwith as a man of class and dignity, an American icon who embodied the best qualities of the FDNY, New York, and the nation during one of its most perilous moments.
At the time of the 9/11 attacks, Bob Beckwith was already retired, but he rushed to the scene to assist in the search and rescue efforts despite his own personal difficulties. His grandson had been involved in a car accident earlier that morning.
Despite his family’s concerns and the physical toll of his age, Beckwith felt compelled to help. He specifically mentioned his determination to search for Michael Boyle, the son of his friend Jimmy, who was reported missing. His dedication to finding Boyle led him to the Ground Zero site, where he joined the efforts to locate survivors.
The Uniformed Firefighters Association paid tribute to Bob Beckwith, acknowledging his immense contribution to the response efforts on September 11, 2001. They described him as one of the heroes of that tragic day who stood tall for America, New York City, and all its residents. Beckwith spent countless hours searching for lost comrades, and his sacrifice and dignity earned him the deep respect and love of the UFA and the entire fire department.
