Carl John Bedigian was a treasured husband‚ a loving son‚ and a dear brother‚ adored by his family and friends. He was also a proud New York City Firefighter‚ one of the bravest chosen on September 11‚ 2001‚ first to answer the call at the World Trade Center. His fortitude and commitment to the service of others was so simply illustrated in the way he unquestionably responded to any cry for help.
Born of Italian-Armenian descent in Greenpoint‚ Brooklyn‚ Carl was special. Always ambitious‚ adventuresome‚ and reaching for more‚ never seen without a smile. Carl’s delightful appetite for travel took him to many parts of the world. A fraction of those journeys were collecting recipes for another enthusiastic hobby he loved‚ cooking. Like many a fireman knows‚ the knowledge of the culinary arts can be an invaluable tool in the firehouse‚ and Carl thrived on the challenge.
He was a man who loved to work with his hands‚ whether it be in building a house‚ or designing a circuit board. His education provided him with the ability to see the potential in any project he tackled from start to finish. Carl graduated from the Thomas Edison Vocational High School in the late 1980’s where he then ventured on with the New York City Transit Authority for several years as an elevator‚ escalator engineer. It was in 1993 when he decided to leave his position as foreman for the NYTA and join the fire department.
He began his career as a fireman in Engine 228‚ in Sunset Park‚ Brooklyn and transferred to the infamous ‘Nuthouse‚’ Engine 214‚ in Bedford-Stuyvesant‚ Brooklyn two years later. On that tragic day‚ the ‘Nuthouse’ lost four members from Engine 214‚ and one officer from Ladder 111.
Carl took pride in being part of such an invaluable communal service‚ yet there were special issues he held close to his heart. Affected and graciously healed from a rare hemorrhage on his spinal cord in 1998‚ until his untimely death Carl’s interest in cures for spinal cord and nervous disorders was genuine. Another issue that was distressing to him was childhood leukemia. In 1995‚ Carl found an opportunity to donate bone marrow through the NY Blood Center to a 4-year-old boy living abroad. That child is now 10‚ and living strong with many birthdays to come. Although we have lost a treasure‚ it is heartwarming to know that when the child smiles‚ Carl is still here‚ smiling through him.
I’m running for Carl in the 2014 Tunnel to Towers in Columbia, SC tonight. So proud and honored to be able to do this for such a great legacy.
– Katherine JeffordsKatherine Jeffords, Lexington, SC
Good morning,
My name is Karl Daigle & I’m an Engineer/Paramedic for Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue. I had the privilege to climb for Carl in the 2017 Memorial Stair Climb in Nashville yesterday. I wanted to leave a note on here to thank him for his sacrifice & am extremely humbled to learn about what a great individual he was.
#NeverForget #343
– Karl DaigleI am carrying Carl with me as I climb 110 flights of stairs inside Lambeau Field as a tribute to the fallen 343. I am truly honored to feel that I can carry a piece of his legacy & am beyond grateful for his ultimate sacrifice. ❤️
– Jill CourchaineI was humbled to run in honor of Carl this morning at the Run for the Fallen 5K in Kronenwetter, Wisconsin. Ran proud, ran strong, ran with respect in my heart!
– Jason BormanI walked for Carl at the 9/11 Lancaster Memorial Stair climb today. This is the second time I have walked the stair climb in his name. I am honored and humbled to have done so.
– Lisa Ghougasian NergartThis past weekend in Marshfield, Missouri, the Marshfield Volunteer Fire Department Had the honor of participating in the 9/11 stair climb. I had the honor of climbing for Carl, this was a very humbling event and touched my heart for all of the firefighters and first responders who perished on 9-11. I just want to say thank you so much for allowing me to share this information with you and I hope it brings a little comfort to your heart to know that Carl’s legacy is still being carried out.
– Terry BrownIt is my great honor to climb 110 flights at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin and represent Carl. What an brave and amazing man.
– Patty GuldanHis devotion is unmatched. Truly a hero!
Never Forget
I didn’t know Carl. I picked him out of a box of bracelets sold to honor our fallen after 9/11. My son’s name is Carl.
– My name is Dianne MooreEvery year I remember Carl J. Bedigian for his bravery and his contribution to saving as many people as he could on 9/11. He is a true hero and I will always honor him for his selflessness in a time of horror. I had never heard his name called until this morning and it was an honor. Hero Carl.
I had the privilege of carrying Carl with me as I climbed 110 flights of stairs at the 2019 Memorial Climb at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado. In every selfless act, in every expression of kindness, we can keep the memories of those heroes alive.
– CJ BailesNever Forget
Dear Carl’s family,
– Amber NorkettIt was an honor to wear the badge for Carl this month when I climbed the steps at Lambeau. So sorry for the loss of your treasure. Thanks for sharing his story and the good news that he still lives on in others.Grateful for his service and I will continue to climb to honor him and others as we will make the climb an annual tradition.
– Amber Norkett
We did not know Carl personally but we’ve been remembering him and praying for his family for the past 20 years. My husband is a retired Fire Chief in Austin Texas. After this horrific day we were given Carl’s name on a set of dog tags. Those dog tags are in a place of honor in our home and we think of Carl often and the sacrifice he made.
To his family…we are sure you miss him every single day. From his bio he was a loving and giving man. Praying for you today and everyday.
Thank you.
– Thompson SandraI think of Carl often, but especially on this day, each and every year. His smile lit up a room, and that is what I remember most about him! Praying for his mom, Dolores, today…n thinking of his older brothers. May u continue to Rest In Peace and fly with the angels. Thank you for your service!
– Debra nunziataI was running for Carl in the Tunnel to Towers today in Hendersonville, TN. I feel very proud and honored!
– Caroline GreenToday I get the privilege of climbing 110 floors at the KC Stair Climb in honor of Carl and his sacrifice on 9-11-01. We will never forget!
– Jake Wilkinson110 floors climbed today.
– Jacklyn NavarroToday I climbed 110 floors in your name while deployed in the Middle East.
#neverforget
– Jacklyn NavarroIt was an honor to carry Carl with me today as I participated in the 2023 Nebraska 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb @ Werner Park Baseball Stadium. I’m grateful for his dedication to serving his community. I’m thinking of his family members and friends on this anniversary of 9/11. Never forget.
– Amber Leed-KellyRIP Carl, I met you through my son in laws stair climb holding your badge. God bless
– Maria L ReedI had the great honor to climb for LT. Bedigian yesterday at the 2023 Dallas 9/11 memorial stair climb. Thank you for your legacy and ultimate sacrifice. We forever be in you debt and will always remember.
– Matthew Burrow-A.E. Burrow BSFD
Today I had the honor and privilege of climbing for Carl at the 2023 9/11 Memorial Stair climb in Wallace Idaho…All 110 flights!!! Thank you Carl for your ultimate sacrifice and for giving the gift of life in1995 to the young boy by donating bone marrow…You are truly hero
*NEVER FORGET*
– Melanie M GoularteToday, September 7, 2024, I had the honor of climbing 110 flights of stairs for Carl at the 850 Heroes for Heroes 911 Memorial Stair Climb in Panama City Beach, Florida. I will never forget the sacrifice that Carl made on behalf of others. The family will remain in my prayers.
– Shana JonesI walked for Carl at the 9/11 Memorial Stair climb in Charlotte, NC today. I am honored to have done so and appreciate his selfless sacrifice. Never Forget.
– Julie GonzalezRemembering you 23yrs later our dearest friend. Gone way too soon. Be resting in eternal peace
– FornitoToday, I had the honor of participating in the 9/11 stair climb in Pflugerville, TX, and walked in your memory. You will never be forgotten forever a hero.
– Aubriana LacyI was blessed and honored to put a candle at the base of an American flag at our Healing Field here in Tempe Arizona for Lt. Bedigian on 9/11/24. That you for your sacrifice!
– Tonia Shaw