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Fallen NYC firefighter in his own words

Posted: Monday, August 20, 2007 7:48 PM by Daily Nightly Editor
Filed Under:

by Brian Williams (from Monday night's broadcast)

The two New York City firefighters who died last weekend came from a firehouse that saw a lot of sadness on 9-11.  Engine 24/Ladder 5 lost 11 men on that day. 

And now two more: 33-year-old Joseph Graffagnino, who had been with the department 8 years, and 53-year-old Robert Bedilla was a veteran of 23 years. 

We remembered today that Dateline NBC did a post-9-11 documentary on that firehouse.   We've further discovered an interview we conducted with Robert Beddila on the effect 9-11 had on him.

His haunting words on 9-11:

"I lost so many guys. It's even hard to think about. It's hard to think about the guys I lost here. It's almost like you have to put everybody in a closet in your mind, and get on with it. Because to dwell on it, dwell on every guy that I knew... to think about them is way too much to do, any day."

During the interview that day, years ago, he wanted us to know he still loved his job. As he put it, "there's nothing else like it."

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god bless usa and all the people who risk there own lives to keep us safe.

mickey centennial 4041 vinceton st (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 11:27 PM)

Its people like  Bedilla and graffagnino who gave their lives to save others that make this country feel pride for their fallen heroes.
May the good lord rest you in his arms just as you rescued many lives. God bless you.

David Villanueva New Britain,CT. (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 11:34 PM)

As a former firefighter, each time I read of the death of a fellow public servant, a small piece of me dies along with them. On 9/11 Before any news broadcaster made a single comment about the possible loss of life, I already knew that hundreds, if not thousands of firefighters had died. Not that I have a crystal ball or anything of that nature. Just the fact that in time of disaster, it will always be the firefighter who will rush in when others are rushing out. They will always stand their ground, and finish the task at hand. It's to bad we pay sports players more money than those who risk their lives for our protection.

Kevin McArdle (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 11:51 PM)

Why, oh why was that building still left standing?, why was it not taken down when they were doing the cleanup of 911?.How many people have to die before we do something?.

Gloria B. Reynolds (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 1:57 AM)

These firefighters are now Angels of God. There were Angels of mankind on earth. They will now be Guardian Angels.
May God Bless all their families and friends.

Jackie Cochran (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 2:38 AM)

Always remember that there are those of us that still morn the loss of your friends.  We will always remember those who gave their lives to save others.  

M. Ralph (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 3:56 AM)

Brian - As the widow and stepmother of volunteer firemen, I grieve with you.  There is no finer calling than to help others and those who fight fires are among the finest - and selfless - heros of our culture.

Joan Chapman, Cheshire, CT. (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 7:21 AM)

That's why he's an every day hero.  Because despite the danger, the death, and despair, fire and rescue, EMT's, police officers put their lives on the line to save another - every day.  They don't percieve themselves as being special, it's their job.  But there are a lot of us who do think they are special and appreciate the work they do and the sacrifices they make to make this world a better place.  These men will be missed.  

dd, nc (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 8:01 AM)

To all the families of firefighters, we say thanks to you for the ultimate sacrifice of knowing daily your family member may not come home because they tried to save one of our families or family member's.  Much love and support to you!

Tracey Jones, Hattiesburg, MS (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 9:28 AM)

to those families who lost a loved one in another tragic firefight. god bless you all and may his divine love help fill your broken hearts.we dp not pick the time for our calling, we can only answer it with our faith in him.ive lost a son to tragic circumstances and the pain will never leave, but only soften as time goes by. lift up your heads and remember the great things in there lives.

johnny smith (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 9:45 AM)

It still amazes me the life that these hero's live every day, the risks they take to save us and keep us safe.  I have several family members and friends that are firefighters and my thoughts are with them and the entire firefighter family every day!

Stacy, Orlando, FL (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 10:46 AM)

My prayers are with the the families of fallen police officers and firemen.The courage that these fallen brave men and women have displayed is an example to us all as to what it really means to be called an American.

Michael L. Tucker, Geraldine, Alabama, 35974, (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 11:50 AM)

Its people like these that make america strong , no questions asked they just rush in to save people without a thought of their safty and health. They just do it they are a very strange breed of people, even they cannot give an answer to (why ) they just do and we need to make sure they are never forgoten god bless them all and their loved ones

But Bourland Midland Texas (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 12:06 PM)

Dear Mr.Williams, Firefighters are true heroes and always are the first people on a scene to risk their lives and help others to safety. They are all brave and selfless. Angels who come to the aid of those in need. These men and all who perish in fires are never to be forgotten and always should be remembered with honor. God Bless all who keep us safe!

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 12:17 PM)

Mr. Mcardle, I couldn't agree with you more.  Our sports figures, some of who can't seem to stay out of trouble make tons more money than our dedicated firefighters.  There's something seriously wrong with that picture.  I keep all firefighters in my prayers.

Stephanie, Effort, PA (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 12:37 PM)

my husband is a volunteer firefighter and was part of the recovery effort in NYC right after 9/11. he still has flashbacks and nightmares at times, and has breathing problems. we need to remember the work that these men and women do every day and honor them for it. As we run out of a fire, they're running in, despite the risks to themselves. it's truly the ultimate sacrifice.

Jen - NYC (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 12:37 PM)

As a career miltary man with service in combat, I salute these two brave men, and all the men and women firefighters and police who engage in uncommon heroism every day...often anonomously.
Thank God for them...and may the two recently departed rest in peace with our eternal gratitude.

Ron -NJ (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 1:10 PM)

It takes a special person to walk into any situation knowing they may not walk out.  Even though they are not as appreciated as they should be, they are heroes.  God Bless them all.

S. Williams, New York, NY (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 1:10 PM)

Take it from a cop. I could not do what firefighters do. Hats off and God bless them all. I love every one of the members of the Vulcan society. They should be paid a lot more. Always there when you need them.

Gregory Stratman Worester Ma. (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 2:08 PM)

Brian, I have a brother that is a Captain with the Nashville Fire Department. He is in the Hazardous Chemical Divison. His wife's brother is also on the Fire Department. Everytime time their is a fire I think of him and wonder if it is one he is at. If there are any injuries I tense until they say the names. I think everyone should fashion their personal lives after these people. Everyone one should run to help their fellow man and should stay the course. Instead, myself included, tend to leave it to someone else to handle. I also agree about we should be paying armed forces, emergency personnel, health care workers more than we should be paying athletes and entertainers.

Michelle Dillree, Nashville, TN (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 2:16 PM)

The sadness that we feel from the recent deaths of Robert Bedilla and Joseph Graffagnino is almost overwhelming. Their loss to the lower Manhattan  community is profound and I pray that their lives and deaths are never forgotten. Losing these two heroes to an empty building, after their courageous survival of the September 11th attack, is bitter indeed. Our hearts and tears go out to the families and friends of these two heroes.

Cathleen Church, New York, NY (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 2:31 PM)

I can't imagine knowing that, today I may not come home from work, as these folks do every day. I wish I had their courage. I know a couple of firefighters and police, and they "love" their jobs.. To leave this world doing something you loved, I can't think of a better way to go.. I pray I don't go looking at a computer terminal. I salute all these folks who work every day to save the next person....

Lee, Chatt Tn (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 2:42 PM)

every firefighters is an earthbound angel, when they go home, we all should mourn, but celebrate their uncompromising courage.

M.Heoh, New York, NY (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 2:46 PM)

GOD BLESS EVERY SINGLE FIRE FIGHTER, THEY ARE INCREDIBLE HUMAN BEINGS, WILLING TO SERVE THERE COMMUNTIES AND COUNTRY WE ARE ALL PROUD OF YOU.. GOD SPEED

MARIE ABALOS (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 2:55 PM)

I am just a common man sitting behind a corporate desk and it makes me cry and hurt so deeply inside knowing the "guts" this type of hero possesses whether it be a cop, a fireman, a soldier, a priest, or any other individual who in the course of their common day, puts other lives before their own.  God bless them all.

keith deshazo, springdale arkansas (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 3:01 PM)

When 9/11 happened, the 1st 2 questions I asked myself were - "Why isn't anybody trying to air - rescue people, trapped above the impact points of the towers, off of the roof of each tower ?" & "Were there water tanks on - line under the roof, that could supply the sprinkler lines above the damaged floors ?".  Yes, firefighters die fighting fires, but;  this is usually when they're trying to rescue injured or trapped people from buidings, or if they're entering areas of unknown 'integrity', or they don't have adequate blueprints & get lost.  None of these SHOULD have applied here !

Mike Moran; Rochester, NH (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 3:05 PM)

I'm a retired cop who has had my share of dangerous situations, but every situation is dangerous fro a firefighter. They truely are the best of the best. I have to agree with one of the other comments about what we pay firefighters, we pay people more to sing danc and play games than we do our bravest.

Scott Thomas, Detroit Area, Mi. (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 3:09 PM)

As a friend and neighbor of Ladder 5, Engine 24 our neighborhood has suffered a great loss once again. The wall of heroes who died saving lives is far too big. Please keep their families in your prayers and know what wonderful men they were. Their smiles are etched in our minds.

Nick New York City (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 4:20 PM)

may you rip my friend...its brave men like you that help keep our country safe!!!

nicole palestine,tx (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 4:35 PM)

Mr. Williams, I had the pleasure of knowing Bobby.  He was funny and very charming.  I didn't see your report last night and actually today is the first time I have been able to even look at any reports concerning the fire that took his life.  Several people did see your report last night and I want to thank you for the tribute to Bobby and his fellow firefighter.  It breaks my heart to know we will never see his smile again and for what?  A building that should have been demolished 6 years ago.

Chris (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 5:01 PM)

The Manhattan District Attorney's office has opened a criminal investigation into the deadly Deutsche Bank building fire that killed two city firefighters.

While the cause of the blaze has not been determined, FDNY investigators reported that the standpipe that was supposed to supply firefighters with water wasn't working - or even connected.

The senior officials of the demolition contractors [Bovis Lend Lease and the John Galt Corp.] ought to be put on trial and sent to one of New York's nicer state prisons. The nice cool ones near the Canadian border, the ones with the lifers.

Both contractors have been hiding from the press, fyi.

Dave W, Brooklyn NY (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 5:03 PM)

my Dad was a firefighter in New Orleans. He was totally disabled in the line of duty (bad fire and a three story fall through a crumbling building and spent the rest of his short life (47 at time of death due to injuries sistained) chasing fires. I know how firefighting have the desire in their blood. Even after his injuries he would attend fires on his own seeing if he could do anything to help out. He loved his work and was never the same after being forced out. My heart goes out to all these wonderful people who protect us all in most dangerous ways, I feel for families too that have the lifestyle forced on them by the job. My heartfelt prayers for you all.

Joanne Hobson (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 5:04 PM)

we're all born to do what we love and do as firefighters, its the lives around us that makes us stronger and better in what we do as firefighters. we'll always be firefighters no matter what our hero status is, we're in this together as a family of FF's.

Jeff Newton, Westfir, Or. (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 5:08 PM)

As a career militay man with one combat tour in iraq as senior scout for my platoon in baghdad, i can only feel that 2 more of my brothers have gone home. Firefighters, Police, EMS, and Miltary everywhere, Brothers and Sisters, Godspeed.

Jack Bard Jr. (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 5:27 PM)

These guys do a job we can only dream about... in nightmares.  God, bless them all.

James Antonucci, Hainesville, Il (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 5:30 PM)

It's one more loss of the 9/11 catastrophe and these last two are also heroes. We never forget them for one day,and what they have done.

DJ, Escondido, CA (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 6:05 PM)

god bless america and all the people who have risked
their lives for human man kind all the service people
and the fireman who are the most fearless of all
and should be paid more then the people who sit at the
white house and spend money on worthless things?

nancy montero (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 6:27 PM)

Thank You.

N. Acuna Denver,CO (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 10:49 PM)

I thank God for all fire fighters
and thier families
thier bravery  is only exceeded by thier
heart

d stewart (Sent Thursday, August 23, 2007 1:17 AM)

God Bless Ladder 5, Engine 24 Battallion 2 and all the NY Firemen both here and in Heaven.  Thank you each and every one of you for all you do. You are all in my thoughts and prayers daily.  
& Brother Craig I love you and you are far from bad luck for me you are my hero

Melissa Connolly Leonarod, nj (Sent Thursday, August 23, 2007 6:24 PM)

I was in the Village Thursday night and remembered Ladder 5. I walked over to the firehouse and stood outside for a moment near the pile of flowers on the sidewalk. I tuned to go, and saw a young firefighter sitting on a treepit behind me. I said "Thank you," and he nodded to me. I walked on, then something came over me and I turned and walked back and said to him: "You know there are thousands and thousands of people all over this city who are totally outraged at this, sick about what happened."
And he nodded again. And I went home.

Name withheld by request (Sent Friday, August 24, 2007 3:01 PM)



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