Bob Beckwith was a retired New York City firefighter who became a national icon after he stood next to President George W. Bush on top of a fire truck in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. He died on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at the age of 91. His cause of death was melanoma, a type of skin cancer. In this article, we will explore some aspects of his life, such as his background, his role in 9/11, his legacy, and his death.
Background
Bob Beckwith was born in Astoria, Queens, in 1932. He joined the New York City Fire Department in 1964 and served for 30 years in various firehouses in Queens. He retired in 1994 and moved to Long Island with his wife, Barbara. He had four children and 11 grandchildren.
Role in 9/11
On September 11, 2001, Beckwith was taking care of his grandson, who had been injured by a car while riding his bike to school. He heard the news that a plane had hit the World Trade Center and decided to go to the scene to help.
He put on his old uniform and helmet and drove to Manhattan. He managed to get past the security checkpoints and joined the rescue efforts at Ground Zero. He climbed on top of a fire truck that belonged to Engine 76, hoping to find survivors or bodies in the rubble.
On September 14, 2001, President Bush visited Ground Zero to show his support and solidarity with the first responders and the victims’ families. He was supposed to speak at a podium, but he changed his plans and walked among the crowd of rescuers. He approached the fire truck where Beckwith was standing and asked him for a hand to get up. Beckwith helped him and stayed by his side.
Bush then took a bullhorn and delivered a spontaneous and emotional speech, saying that he could hear the people and that the people who knocked down the buildings would hear from America soon. He wrapped his arm around Beckwith and thanked him for his service. The image of the president and the firefighter standing together in the midst of the devastation became one of the most iconic and memorable moments of 9/11.
Legacy
Beckwith became a national hero and a symbol of America’s resilience and unity after 9/11. He received numerous offers and invitations from media outlets, celebrities, and politicians, but he declined most of them. He said he was not looking for fame or money, but only wanted to help his fellow firefighters and the country.
He maintained a close friendship with President Bush, who invited him to the White House several times and called him on his birthday every year. He also supported the 9/11 first responders and advocated for their health care and compensation. He was honored by the Uniformed Firefighters Association and the South Carolina Broadcasters Association for his service and achievements.
Death
Beckwith died on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at the age of 91. His cause of death was melanoma, a type of skin cancer. He had been diagnosed with the disease in 2019 and had undergone several treatments.
He also suffered from other health problems, such as heart issues and kidney failure. He passed away peacefully at his home in Baldwin, Long Island, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, his four children, and his 11 grandchildren.
Conclusion
Bob Beckwith was a retired New York City firefighter who became a national icon after he stood next to President George W. Bush on top of a fire truck in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.
He was a hero who risked his life to help others and a symbol of America’s strength and courage. He died on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at the age of 91. His cause of death was melanoma, a type of skin cancer. He left behind a legacy of service, patriotism, and friendship. He will be remembered and missed by many.