Firefighter stood in photo with Bush

years following a 30-year career when he rushed to help with search-and-rescue efforts as scores of other current and former first responders did in the hours and days after the attacks.

Beckwith said he was simply looking for a good vantage point to see the president as he surveyed the destruction. But Bush made an unexpected detour and hopped aboard the crushed Engine Co. 76 truck where he was standing, Beckwith recalled to the AP on the 10th anniversary of the attacks in 2011.

Barbara Beckwith said her husband helped the president get up on the fire truck and was about to let himself down when Bush intervened.

“The president said to him, ‘Where are you going?’ ” she recounted. “‘You’re going to be right here with me.’ ”

Beckwith’s wake was held Friday, and he was buried Saturday on Long Island, where he raised a family that includes six children, 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Bush was among those who called Monday to send condolences, Beckwith’s wife said.