Firefighters rally for safety

Marchers remember NYC firefighters who perished
NEW YORK The father of a New York City firefighter killed last summer in a skyscraper fire -- led a rally in lower Manhattan.

Eyewitness News reporter Thalia Patillo has more.

"So many men working for a living are dying and the city isn't doing enough," Freyda Markow said.

It was a rally and march for fallen firefighters Joseph Graffagnino and Robert Beddia. Both men died while battling a blaze at the old deutsche bank on August 18, 2007.

Officials say it was like a maze and the firefighters were blindsided by the conditions at the condemned building.

"We're waiting for the grand jury report to come down and were sure people will be held accountable," President Firefighter union Steve Cassidy said.

For Joseph Graffagnino Sr., Graffagninio's father, it's the first time he's returned to the old Deutsche Bank.

"In the construction industry there were 16 within first five and a half most of this year," Joseph Sr. said. "What's being done about it?"

Graffagnino says today's event is because his son and firefighter Robert Beddia died as a direct result of safety code violations at the deutsche bank. And he's surprised by all of today's support

"I hope there is a renewed commitment and more people to the table here," Scott said.

Graffignino Sr. is calling on everyone to help push for change

"At the end of all this I would like to see the rules and regulations changed," Graffignino Sr. said.

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