R.I.P. Bob Beckwith: A Hero at Ground Zero

Firefighter Bob Beckwith passed away on February 4 at age 91 from cancer caused by the September 11 attacks. His funeral was held yesterday.

The famous photograph of him with President Bush on the pile at Ground Zero was one of the most indelible images of that terrible first week. He was 69 years old at the time and selflessly came out of retirement to help.

“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,” Bush said in his statement. “His courage represented the defiant, resilient spirit of New Yorkers and Americans after 9/11.”