A legendary firefighter hailed for his service on 9/11 who became famous for a photo he took standing next to former President George W. Bush at Ground Zero died this week at the age of 91.
Bob Beckwith, a New York City firefighter, was there for it all on what is considered by many to be the worst day in American history — when nearly 3,000 people died as four planes crashed, two into the World Trade Center in New York City, one into the Pentagon and one in a field in Pennsylvania.
In a statement on Monday, which was shared on the Bush Center website, the former president said: "Laura and I are saddened by the passing of Bob Beckwith. On September 11, 2001, Bob was happily retired after more than 30 years of service with the New York City Fire Department."
He continued: "When the terrorists attacked, Bob suited back up and, like so many brave first responders, raced toward the danger to save and search for others. His courage represented the defiant, resilient spirit of New Yorkers and Americans after 9/11. I was proud to have Bob by my side at Ground Zero days later and privileged to stay in touch with this patriot over the years. Laura and I send our condolences to Barbara and the Beckwith family as they remember this decent, humble man."
Beckwith reportedly died on Sunday, according to former Rep. Peter King, a Republican from New York, who took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share the tragic news.
He wrote: "Bob Beckwith has passed away. A man of class and dignity. An American icon who personified the best of the FDNY, New York and America at our most perilous moment. Bob Beckwith R.I.P."
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According to Fox News, Beckwith died as a result of complications from illnesses he contracted following 9/11. It remains unclear what those illnesses were.
On Sept. 14, 2001, three days after the attacks, the native Long Islander, who was then 69 and who had just retired about six years prior, decided to venture into Manhattan, following police cars over the Williamsburg Bridge with his heart set on finding survivors, Fox News reported. That same day, he was hugged by the former president, who was in office when the attacks occurred, and that's when the iconic photo was taken.
He had reportedly donned his old gear and convinced others that he was simply late for duty so that he could dig through the wreckage. Then-Deputy White House Chief of Staff Karl Rove approached him as he and another team unearthed a fire engine that had become buried under the rubble, asking the retired fireman to jump up and down on the rubble to make sure it was safe for Bush to stand upon.
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The President then walked toward him, wrapped his arms around him and gave a speech using a bullhorn. He reportedly said: "I want you all to know that America today – America today is on bended knee in prayer for the people whose lives were lost here, for the workers who work here, for the families and more. This nation stands with the good people of New York City, and New Jersey and Connecticut, as we mourn the loss of thousands of our citizens."
Beckwith was reportedly a firefighter for 30 years with the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). His story is immortalized in the 9/11 Memorial Museum at Ground Zero in Manhattan.