Bob Beckwith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bob Beckwith
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Beckwith stands at the site of the collapsed World Trade Center in New York City Friday, September 14, 2001
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| Born | September 21, 1933 |
| Died | February 2024 (aged 90) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Firefighter |
| Children | 6 |
Bob Beckwith (born September 21, 1933 – died February 2024) was an American firefighter. He became famous across the United States after standing with President George W. Bush. This happened when the President gave a speech at the World Trade Center ruins. This was just after the terrible attacks of September 11, 2001. Pictures of Beckwith and the President were on the front page of the New York Daily News and the cover of Time magazine. This made him a national hero. He later met President Bush many times and helped raise money for good causes.
Contents
Bob Beckwith's Life and Legacy
His Early Life and Family
Bob Beckwith lived for over 50 years in the same house in Baldwin, Nassau County, New York. He lived there with his wife, Barbara. They had six grown-up children together. Bob Beckwith passed away in February 2024. He was 90 years old.
A Firefighter's Career
Bob Beckwith was a brave firefighter for the New York City Fire Department. He served for 30 years, from 1964 to 1994. Even after retiring, his dedication to helping others never stopped.
Helping After 9/11 Attacks
On the morning of September 11, 2001, Bob Beckwith was looking after his grandson. His grandson had been hit by a car. As he drove to the hospital, Beckwith heard that a plane had hit the World Trade Center.
When his grandson seemed okay, Beckwith left the hospital. He saw the South Tower collapse on TV. Even though he had retired seven years earlier, he grabbed his old firefighter gear. He found a way past the security blocks and started helping. He joined groups of people passing buckets of rubble. He also helped search for missing people.
Meeting President Bush at Ground Zero
On September 14, Beckwith and other workers found a fire engine buried in the rubble. They tested it to see if it was strong enough to stand on. A Secret Service agent then asked Beckwith to help President Bush onto the engine.
Beckwith handed President Bush a megaphone to speak to the crowd. Secret Service agents told Beckwith to get down. But President Bush insisted that Beckwith stay with him. A picture of Bush and Beckwith was on the front page of the New York Daily News the very next day.
Becoming Nationally Known
A photo of President Bush and Bob Beckwith was on the cover of Time magazine two weeks later. This made Beckwith famous across the country. At first, he didn't want to talk to news reporters. But he eventually appeared on TV shows like MSNBC.
Beckwith was always humble about his fame. He had a large copy of the Time magazine cover in his home. He said, "All these guys that come over to interview me, they all have to have a picture of it." He also had a special first edition print of the cover. It was in a display box with a flag from Ground Zero, given to him by President Bush.
Beckwith wanted these special items to go to the 9/11 Memorial after he passed away. He had already given the clothes and helmet he wore that day to the memorial.
Continuing His Service
Bob Beckwith met with President Bush 11 times. He traveled and spoke a lot. He spent much of his time raising money for the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation. This foundation helps firefighters who have been injured.
On February 25, 2002, Beckwith went to the White House. With Governor George Pataki of New York, he gave President Bush the bullhorn. This was the same bullhorn the President used to speak to workers at the World Trade Center site.
