9/11 firefighter who stood subsequent to Bush in well-known photographs dies | News | USAEMALL.com

Bob Beckwith was working within the smouldering ruins of the World Trade Center when George W Bush visited the positioning.

A retired New York City firefighter who rose to fame after being photographed subsequent to then-President George W Bush within the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, assaults has died on the age of 91.

Bob Beckwith was working within the smouldering ruins of the World Trade Center three days after the assaults when Bush visited the positioning and gave a speech promising to carry the perpetrators accountable.

“I can hear you, the rest of the world hears you, and the people who knocked down these buildings will hear all of us soon,” Bush mentioned in remarks to rescuers scouring for survivors.

Pictures of Bush talking right into a megaphone together with his arm round Beckwith turned among the most well-known photographs symbolising the grief and resolve of Americans within the days after hijackers crashed planes into the Twin Towers.

“Bob Beckwith was one of many retired FDNY [Fire Department of New York] members who responded to the World Trade Center site in the days and months following September 11 to aid in rescue and recovery as a testament to their devotion to their FDNY family,” Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh mentioned in a press release on Monday.

“His iconic picture with President Bush captured a moment that was both inspiring and heartbreaking. We are grateful to his service to our city and our nation, and we join his family and friends in mourning his loss.”

Bush on Monday paid tribute to Beckwith, saying he had been privileged to have stayed in contact with the “decent, humble man” over time.

“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,” Bush mentioned in a press release posted on X.

Born in 1932, Beckwith had an almost 30-year profession as a New York City firefighter.

Despite retiring in 1994, he joined many different present and former first responders to assist seek for survivors within the hours and days after the assaults.