FDNY

 Joseph Graffagnino

and

 Robert Beddia

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta announced on August 18 the deaths of two Firefighters.

The firefighters,  Joseph Graffagnino, 33, of Ladder Company 5, and Robert Beddia, 53, of Engine Company 24, were fatally injured while battling a seven-alarm high-rise fire.  The fire took place at 130 Liberty Street and was damaged during the WTC disaster.  The building was originally the former Deutsche Bank.

These two firefighters became trapped on the 14th floor.   The building was undergoing demolition. Both firemen suffered severe smoke inhalation and were taken to a hospital downtown and were in cardiac arrest and they succumbed to their injuries.

The seven alarm fire, which was called in at 3:36pm and had more than 275 firefighters and 70 units respond, was deemed under control at 10:40 p.m.

City Fire Marshals are not sure what caused the blaze and it's under investigation.

Firefighter Graffagnino had been with the FDNY for eight-years and was appointed on May 9, 1999. Firefighter Beddia, was appointed on October 24, 1983 and was a 23-year veteran.

In the Department's 143-year history, Firefighter Graffagnino and Firefighter Beddia are the 1,136th and 1,137th members of the FDNY to make the Supreme Sacrifice .

 

For further info see: FDNY.ORG

Bobby Beddia...Joey Graff....You both shall be missed.