Plaque Dedicated for Lt. Graffagnino and FF Beddia

Plaques were dedicated in honor of Lieutenant Joseph Graffagnino of Ladder 5 and Firefighter Robert Beddia of Engine 24 on August 18, the one year anniversary of the devastating seven-alarm fire at the former Deutsche Bank building that took their lives.

“These two men led by example and gave the job everything they had,” said Mayor Michael Bloomberg. “For them it was more than a job, it was a calling.”

Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta added, “They were pillars of strength in this house. They honored us by the way they lived their lives and they made the world better simply by living in it.”

Lt. Graffagnino and Firefighter Beddia were among the 275 firefighters and 70 units that responded to the high-rise fire at 130 Liberty St. on August 18, 2007. They became trapped on the 14th floor of the building, which was undergoing demolition.

Hundreds of FDNY members filled the apparatus floor of Engine 24/Ladder 5 and poured out into Sixth Avenue in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village as two bronze plaques were unveiled in their honor.

“These are two firefighters that will inspire future firefighters for years to come,” said Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano.

Lt. Graffagnino was an eight-year veteran of the FDNY who was remembered for his love of his family, including his wife, Linda, and their children, Mia, 5, and Joseph, 21 months, as well as his parents, Joseph and Rosemarie, and sisters, Maria Breen and Theresa Spoto.

He began his career at Engine 24 in 1999. He later worked at Engine 284, near his childhood home in Brooklyn, before moving to Ladder 5 in December 2006. He was promoted posthumously to the rank of lieutenant on June 19, 2008.

Fellow firefighters remembered his “legendary” cooking at the firehouse and his incredible character.

“There are many qualities make up a great firefighter - courage, compassion and a sense of humor,” said Captain Patrick McNally of Ladder 5. “To say Joey possessed these qualities is an understatement. He possessed enough of these qualities for himself and everyone here.”

Firefighter Beddia, a 23-year veteran of the FDNY, was remembered as a mentor in the firehouse who loved golf and playing cards.

“Bobby was a born leader, he led by example and set high standards,” said Battalion Chief Neil Cronin, who formerly served as captain of Engine 24. “I promise I will never forget his sacrifice.”

Firefighter Beddia was appointed to the Department in 1983 and spent his entire career at Engine 24, receiving three citations for bravery. He is survived by his brothers, Edward Carman and James Beddia, and his sisters, Barbara Crocco and Susan Olson.

“Although we at the Department always say that [the Graffagnino and Beddia families] are part of our family, you always remind us that we are part of yours as well, and for that we are grateful,” said Chief Cassano.

Lt. Graffagnino and Firefighter Beddia were the 1,136th and 1,137th members of the New York City Fire Department to make the Supreme Sacrifice in the Department's 144-year history.