Thank you for sharing your touching story.  I will remember Firefighters Beddia and Graffagnino, as I do all of those lost on 9/11 (one of them a firefighter friend of ours) always.  Sometimes it's hard to find meaning in it all, it's not fair.  But we have to remember those with laughter and joy, not tears and sadness: celebrate the lives, not the deaths.  Always in my heart....

I cannot imagine what its like to live the life of a firefighter, but I'm glad there are people who can.  It's not a job I can do, and I don't say thank you enough for the work they do.  My heart goes out to the suffering families of the fallen firefighters.

MY cousin, Robert Schmuck, has followed in the footsteps of his father (my uncle), Jack Schmuck, to be a NY city firefighter.  My oldest son, Adam, is a Lt in the US ARMy.  I could never be prouder of my family - they are AMERICA, THE BEAUTIFUL!

Albany, GA

enough already, does everyone have to relate?

I feel for all my Brother Fireman who has paid the ultimate sacrifice, especially the 343 who gave all for 9/11/2001!  Firemen are family, not only in the life they spend on the job but some become actual families over time through marriages.  I am a retired fireman now and take pride that our small community has been blessed with no in service loss of life in our department.  Our job is SAFETY!

Joe Cox, please find a clue!  We are human and we are Americans, so YES, everyone has to relate!!! Get over yourself.  I live with a volunteer firefighter and I honor, respect, and am in awe of every man and woman who is running into a burning building when everyone else is trying to get out.  They are heroes, every one of them, and I agree with Meri in GA - they ARE America the Beautiful.

To Mr.Cox who wrote "Enough Already...". Have you ever ran into a burning building while others are running out? Have you ever put your life on the line to save a stranger? Do you drop everything when the tones drop to go help a stranger? Or are you one those people who complain about the firedepartment untill that horrible moment you need them? It's good that people can relate because it causes them to have a little more understanding of what we do and who we are. We are a special breed, not everyone can do what we do. I hope you never have a need to call us but, if you do, we are the only ones that will drop  whatever we are doing and come to your rescue and I hope you are greatful for the ones that lay it all on the line for a stranger.

After the tragedy of September 11, 2001, I received a treasured gift from my sister-a memory "baseball style cap", on front NYFD, on back Matthew Barnes.  I am pretty sure he was from Engine25/Ladder5, and on a trip to New York in March,2002, I walked endlessly with my daughter through New York City to find this blessed Firehouse. The company was out on a call, but I left a picture of Matthew with a memorial note of how I wear the cap with pride. The loss of true heroes should always remain with us all. I feel for the writer on 8/21 who feels "enough already". Maybe he would feel better fighting his own fires if they arise.  May our firefighters be blessed always, when in action, or having fallen in their courageous line of duty.

My brother is a firefighter and I could not be more proud of him. I know is in constant danger when they respond to a call, but I also know that his BROTHERS, are always looking out for each other.

I have always thought and I always will think, that the FIREFIGHTERS OF AMERICA, are truly AMERICAS' FINEST. I admire and pray for our soldiers, wherever they are stationed, they are heros' indeed.

The Firefighters of America will always be my heros'.

no mr cox everyone does not have to relate, but it helps with the grieving process, what if a firefighter you did not know were saving your family or loved ones, would you RELATE then?? of course you would, we are America and United We Stand so yes I can relate and its never enough to do so....

no everyone does not have to relate, but it helps with the grieving process, what if a firefighter you did not know were saving your family or loved ones, would you RELATE then?? of course you would, we are America and United We Stand so yes I can relate and its never enough to do so....

To Joe Cox: What a terribly insensitive lout you are. I'm sorry to see you have nothing in your life that touches you and makes you stand back and think about others the way the people who have read and commented on this story have. It must be wonderful leading an ideal sheltered life away from anyone and anything or not having to imagine, fathom, think about how the pain that affects others might have affected you, had you been in their shoes. And certainly, it must be great to go to bed at night knowing a fireman will save your house if it goes up in flames, and that the military are trying to protect you as you doze, but not having to care an iota about them. Yes, being you must be wonderful, and that frees me to not imagine being you, and be grateful that I don't have to......but still say thank you to the real heroes of everyday life like these firemen.

I am grateful to the FDNY for what they do for the city every day.  I can't imagine the danger of having to fight fires in skyscrapers, yet they don't hesitate to go in.  I go to school right across the street from Ground Zero and see the Deutsch Bank building all the time.  I will think of those two lost fire fighters each time I see it from now on.  God Bless.

Yes - I think it is human nature to "relate" ! Thank god we do. (in response to Joe Cox)

I don't think people totally realize what a NYC fireman does nor do they realize how close knit the department is.  When you lose a fireman - it is like losing a member of your own family. My husband is a lieutenant for FDNY.  I know how close he is to the other firemen.  I know that he puts other people and other firemen before himself. He risks his life everyday so that you can be safe.

Most firemen, that I know, are selfless, good-hearted, hard-working, & very modest.  They don't ask for thanks (in fact - my husband is extremely humble).  When something like this happens - it brings back memories of the last six years and all they have dealt with. It is hard to find the meaning of all of this tragedy when they have been through so much already.

I am proud of my husband & what he does. I pray for the fallen firemen and their families.

   

Stephanie from Maine saiys she can not immagine what it is like to be a firefighter...think of it as a big family...we spend more time at the station than at home, spend more time with non "family".  it is the greatest feeling rolling to a working fire or an alarm knowing that all you have trained to do is about to be put to the test.  As long as you learn to do something better from each call...it is all good.  the rush is...well a rush...Helping strangers is what it is all about.

Although I applaud firefighters (my father-in-law and many friends are paid and volunteer firefighters -and my eleven year old son wants to be one)  EMS workers have been sorely overlooked.  I saw a t-shirt that said "FD - the bravest, PD - the strongest, EMS - the forgotten"  = that pretty much sums it up.  Paramedics also run into danger and save lives, and some EMTS and Paramedics were lost in 9/11 - yet no one seems to know or care !!  But I am sad for all the family and friends of the lost police, firefighters, and EMS workers.  I am proud wife of a paramedic  !!!

God Bless All these brave men. they risk their lives every day. i will keep them and our soldiers who are fighting for our country in my prayers. New York is the greatest city in the world and anyone who can deny it has never been there. GOD BLESS AMERICAN FOREVER! MAY WE NEVER FORGET.

As for those who serve(d) with either Fire, Police, EMS services, and our nation's military branches... these people put their lives on the line every day for the benefit of those whom they don't even know.  I cannot think of a more selfless and honorable act than to serve and protect your fellow citizens.  

My heart aches for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11.  As an active FireFighter/Paramedic at the time of 9/11, now retired, I have felt no greater pain than I did that day, nor any day since.  My wife and I are both retired EMS, and to this day respect those who share our passion of serving others.

To the person who commented on "EMS being forgotten"...well said.  Unfortunately you are very correct in saying so; however, EMS has gained the respect it deserves, unfortunately in the wake of 9/11.  May I say this to you, Ma'am, that your husband IS a hero.

my son is a firefighter here in kansas and he just lost his captain last week in a fire it can happen anytime or anywhere but it is GOD's b;essing that there are people out ther to protect us GOD BLESS ALL OF OUR FIREFIGHTERS

MR. COX, FROM YOUR STATEMENT, I ASSUME YOUR OCCUPATION DOES NOT REQUIRER YOU TO BE A HUMAN, YOU LACK A SOUL!! I CANT UNDERSTAND HOW ANYONE LIVES WITHOUT A HEART, BUT I GUESS ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOUR SELF!  

My former boyfriend is a firefighter and paramedic, and I am proud to be able to call him my dear friend. He is probably the most selfless person that I have ever met, and when you tell him that you're proud of him, you are met with "It's nothing, I just do my job". I am thankful that I got to be part of his extended "fire" family for a bit, and always will be. Thank you to all firefighters, police officers,paramedics AND military that put their lives on the line every shift to keep ours safe. You are our real heroes.

I pray Mr Cox, that you never have to feel the pain that victims families feel after a tragedy.  I know that for these survivors, the Fire Department is their one saving grace that someone cared enough to risk their lives to save their family members.  To have a living soul to hug and to cry with is something that survivors need. These brave people of the Fire Departemtns, Police, Emergency Response Teams of all kinds are what holds the community of disaster survivors together.  Mr. Cox, God forbid if something were to happen to one of your loved ones, wouldn't you want someone to relate?  Shame on you for your remarks.  I am grateful you are in the minority, not the majority.

it is very touching and i liked it                                

I am a Firefighter/ EMT, I have been fighting fires and responding to emergency medical calls for 12 years. I have also lost a loved one ina fire. My husband was killed, my son and I miss him everyday. I tell my son remember to always be proud. I have noticed that there are those who respect the Fire/ EMS /and Police and then there are those that don't know what it is like to have to not be a part of
Christimas morning because someone is having a emergency. Or going 24 to 50 hours not seeing your family. I love my career and I am proud of the people that I work with. I am very sorry for your loss they will be honorede for ever.

My husband is a volunteer firefighter. I don't know what I would do if something happened to him on a call. He is PROUD to serve and I am proud of him. The men and women who serve everyday or hero's in my eyes. I salute you firefighters and police officers.

I think the poor unfortunate thing in all this tragedy, Mr COX has done this to stir up a little more emotion in everyone that is definately not needed, what a sad life he must lead, he must not have anyone that looks up to him and see him as hero  Only a hero he could have put his life on the line everyday as so many men and women do, I am from Canada and I am appalled @ MrCOXS comments, I have been a supporter of Canada & the USA for many years, and even more so, my father is a retired lieutenant from my hometown firehouse and despite everything else I have never been more proud of anyone for the 30 years he was there! My heart goes out to all of the HEROES FROM 9/11 and fortunately MR.COX has nothing to do with that, cause we know it takes as a previous wife of a fireman said,,,,a selfless, good-hearted, hard-working, & very modest, and we know MR.COX is none of the above.
I am Candadian and I proudly wear MY FDNY baseball cap to remind everyone always, even here in Canada.
God Bless

I pray for those peoples families and all of the tragic losses that happened on 9/11.It's amaozing to hear that somone out there was good enough of a person to write such a meaning full paper.

wow all the firefighters is heroes,we r thankful,grateful without them i don't no....that why i proud of them 2 all efforts.......

I remember not too long ago, a fire truck came into our neighborhood.  Without hesitation, I waved at them, and they back at me.  Can any of us remember a time when we could do that without fear?  I know for a fact that these men and women are fearless; they do the right thing because it's the right thing to do.  Maybe we can do the right thing and once in a while just take a moment to tell them thank you.  They are family.
A while ago, I had to call 911 for my father.  The next day, while at lunch with my brother, we saw firemen sitting having lunch.  My brother quietly went to the manager, and paid for their lunch.  He then went over to their table, and he relayed what we had just gone through.  He told them, "even though you're not the ones that came to the house and helped us, you helped us.  Thank you".  Powerful and a true story.

I am dispatch for 9 local fire departments here in san diego.  I pray at the beginning of each shift that each firefighter on duty will return home safely at the end of the shift.  I do my part to make sure that happens.  Unless you are in the fire/pd/ems field, most people have no idea what life is like- all they see is grocery shopping and recliner time.  That could not be farther from the truth.  Fire fighters are some of the bravest, hardest working people around.  They have acomplished more by noon than most people all day.  Next time you see a fire truck, thank them, because danger is literally the next call away....

My husband was a firefighter. He now teaches fire fighting at SCFA.  Every story about the death of a fireman or the many heroic measures many have taken, touches our family. They are a very special and selfless brotherhood. God Bless You Each and Every Fireman!

Watching the terrable fires that are consuming our state is one of the saddest things I have ever witnessed. At the same time I see men fighting these impossible conditions with hose, hand tools and airplanes with the determination and resolution that is superhuman. What is amazing is that they are there on the line at the risk of their lives. Thank you will never be enough, but it is all we can give. You are shining examples of the best mankind has produced.

I do not know anyone personally who is in the fire, police or emt departments, but my dad, brother and uncles have all served with the military.  My dad is a 20 yr retired AF vet, my baby brother has served in Kuwait and Afganistan, and my uncle has been out to sea right after the Vietnam War.  I thank God, that I never lost anyone to the war or any other tragedy.  I have taught my children that whenever they see a fire truck, police car or ambulance with sirens on, to say a prayer for the families involved.  Thanks to all who serve our country and do so with pride.

to paramedics thankyou for your hard work sorry that you have to put out fires for everbody in the commuity. lfeel safe you firefighters

I AM A CONSERVATIVE BLACK MALE, BORN AND RAISED IN ONE OF THE WORST HISTORICALLY BLACK NEIGHBORHOODS (if not the worst, certainly the oldest)IN WASHINGTON,DC "BARRY FARMS".  I JUST WATCHED THE STORY OF FRANK LUCAS, AMERICAN GANGSTER, BUT BEFORE I DID, I RESEARCHED HIS HISTORY, REVEIWED INTERVIEWS BETWEEN HE AND NICKY BARNES, AND REVIEWED BUMPY JOHNSON'S 93 YR OLD WIDOW'S REMARKS ABOUT FRANK.  FIRST, FROM A TECHNICAL AND ENTERTAINMENT VALUE/ STANDPOINT THE MOVIE WAS GREAT.  IT WAS A LITTLE OFF IN SOME AREAS (Tango as the real Lucas described him was more like the guy standing next to the Tango that was shot in movie...270 lbs monster who had killed 3 people w/ his hands, and Bumpy's widow denies Bumpy dying in Frank's arms, but she may have a personal act to grind w/ Frank's actions towards her when Bumpy died....but none of us were there).  I'M A HOOD GUY WHO WALKED A CHALK LINE FOR A WHILE CHOOSING GOD AND THE EDUCATIONAL PATH TO ADVANCEMENT IN THE END, BUT I STILL "MESS WITH GANGSTERS AND AM HONEST WITH THEM ABOUT MY FEELINGS OF WHAT THEY DO, AND THEY RESPECT ME FOR IT".  WHILE I INITIALLY WAS AGAINST DENZEL (or anybody for that matter) AGREEING TO PORTRAY THIS GUY'S ROLE CONSIDERING THE IMPRESSIONIST REPERCUSSIONS THE ROLE MIGHT HAVE ON BLACK YOUTH EMBRACING FRANK'S LEGACY (I've worked in prisons for years and have seen enough of that)I DO UNDERSTAND (AS I THINK ANY SANE / REASONABLE / FAIR / WHITE VIEWER SHOULD) THAT EVEN LISTENING TO THE COMMENTS BY A FED IN THE MOVIE SUPPORTS THE GENERAL FEELINGS OF MANY WHITES THAT BLACKS ARE TOO STUPID TO ORGANIZE OR BE THE GO TO GUYS FOR OTHER RACES TO ACHIEVE ANYTHING. ITS A SHAME THAT IT WOULD TAKE FRANK LUCAS' STORY TO SHUT THE MOUTHS OF SOME RACIST BY SHOWING THAT HE WAS SMART ENOUGH TO GO AROUND WHITES (or Italians who many have Black blood in them but don't embrace it...read your history)TO TAKE CONTROL OVER A BUSINESS, THOUGH BE IT DECADENT, THAT AFFECTED THE BLACK COMMUNITY.  A BLACK MAN BECAME THE GO TO GUY AND THAT BOTHERS RACIST WHITES OR ITALIANS (again not purely whites...)WHOM I BET DIDN'T MAKE ANY NOISE ABOUT THE GODFATHER DEPICTIONS OF THEIR CONTROL OVER DRUGS IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS OF "Animals, so let them lose their souls". I DO WISH PRODUCERS WOULD FOCUS MORE ON BLACK INVENTORS OR INNOVATORS WHO TOOK THE LEAD IN SCIENCE IN MODERN TIMES.  THEY SHOULD ALSO FOCUS ON THE FINDINGS OF THOSE SCHOLARS OF ANTIQUITY WHO JUST HAPPEN TO BE WHITE (i.e. Sir Godfrey Higgins.."Anacalypsis, Chancellor Williams.."Ancient Egypt, Light of the World)OR HAVE MORE RESPECT FOR THE LEARNED BLACK SCHOLARS (Dr. Ben Yochannon, Tony Browder, Ivan Von Sertima to name just a few)WHO HAVE PROVEN WITH SUPPORTS THROUGH CARBON DATING AND LANGUAGE INTERPRETATION METHODS SET BY WHITES, OF WHAT'S SOLID AND VALID, THAT BLACKS WERE HERE FIRST AND ARE THE FOUNDERS (not some aliens visiting Sumaria, Egypt, or the Mayan peoples and imparting wisdom on them) OF THE VAST MAJORITY OF MATH / ARCHITECTURAL / SCIENTIFIC DEVELOPMENT THAT WHITES HAVE BUILT UPON, AND STOP SUPPORTING THE RIDICULOUS BELIEF THAT BLACKS ARE AN INFERIOR RACE OF PEOPLE (although in our "Nigger" mindset /state..which is not the same as being in a "Black" mindset / state.......I understand some partial current views of unlearned whites today..The learned ones know but keep it secret).  I DO NOT SUPPORT FRANK LUCAS AS AN ICON NOR HIS CRIMINAL ACTIONS, BUT I DO SUPPORT HIS DRIVE TO RUN OUR OWN HOUSE. TOO BAD HE DIDN'T USE HIS DRIVE FOR GOOD.

Some one please tell me why when a woman gets a good man... I mean a real keeper... she then changes her mind... do most women know what they really want in a man?

Poor Joe Cox; obviously he's not a happy camper.  Yes,we do need to reflect and support our brothers and sisters in emergency services; be it Fire or LE. We should, also, remember the K9 Search groups who are another "tool" in the toolbox for emergency services.  May God Bless them all.

I grew up in a home a community with 57 fathers brothers and cousins, and my father was their Chief.  A Fire Department is full of amazing men.  It is a family like no other, and you truly need to be a part of it to understand.  Although this story is sad, it is nice to hear that this department still had the family values that I grew up with, still treasure, and pass onto my children.  
There are many first responders that need to be reconized in our communities, and my hat goes off to them all.  Hiowever, those fire fighters are all near and dear to my heart.
When I was young, and my dad went to a fire, I knew there was always a chance he wouldn't come home, and oh how we longed for an uninterrupted meal. (That fire whistle always seemed to go off at dinner)  When He would leave, I would pull the kitchen chair over to the firemans poem, and read......
When I am called to duty God.. Whenever flames may rage.. Help me to embrace a little child before it is to late or save an elder person from the horror of that fate
Help me to be alert and hear the weakest shout and quickly and effeciently put the fire out........
And if accourding to you will I have to lose my life....
Please watch with your protecting hand my children and my wife.........


(I did this from memory, please forgive me if it isn't 100% correct)

To the families of fallen fire fighters every where, and the families who love them......
There passion for love and life lives through you, live it with the same passion they do.....

Long before 9/11, there was the Vendome Hotel fire tragedy in Boston, MA, where 9 firefighters were killed on June 17, 1972.  One of them was my father.  I salute all firefighters - the true heros that deserve recognition.  My love to all of you. God bless.

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