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Modified 12-Nov-24
Created 11-Sep-24
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It’s been 23 years since the original World Trade Center terror attacks in New York City occurred. On September 7th 2024 the Baltimore City Fire Department kicked off the12th annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at the M & T Bank Stadium in collaboration with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. 310 participants, including area first responders and civilians began their climb at 8:00am. Each participant climbed 2,200 steps, equivalent to 110 flights, synonymous with the height of the World Trade Center. Each person, wearing turnout gear, station gear, or workout gear carried a tag with the name and photograph of one of the 343 FDNY firefighters killed in the line of duty on that fateful day. Everyone was encouraged to research the firefighter on their tag to gain a little insight into his life and sacrifices made. After completing the climb each person came out of the stadium and rang a bell, announcing the fallen firefighter that they had climbed for.
The event is organized by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and helps fund programs to support the families of local fallen firefighters and the FDNY Counseling Services Unit. Baltimore City Fire Department Battalion Chief Mya McConnell said the event is very important to them. “We want to make sure we memorialize that event, and they never forget.” The stair climb is a way to honor and remember the FDNY firefighters who selfishly gave their lives so that others might live on September 11,2001. The event serves as a reminder of the spirit of unity and resilience that emerged from the ashes of 9/11 ensuring that their memory lives on, and the sacrifices of our heroes are never forgotten.
This year 24 teams with about 300 individuals helped to raise about $40,000 for the foundation. The top fundraising team was the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, the top donor was Barry Friner, and the top fundraiser was Brad Bondroff.
A reception followed at the Firefighters Local 734 Union Hall across from the stadium. There was music, drawings, and giveaways and Firehouse Subs was on hand to provide free meals to all of the stair climb participants.
The event is organized by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and helps fund programs to support the families of local fallen firefighters and the FDNY Counseling Services Unit. Baltimore City Fire Department Battalion Chief Mya McConnell said the event is very important to them. “We want to make sure we memorialize that event, and they never forget.” The stair climb is a way to honor and remember the FDNY firefighters who selfishly gave their lives so that others might live on September 11,2001. The event serves as a reminder of the spirit of unity and resilience that emerged from the ashes of 9/11 ensuring that their memory lives on, and the sacrifices of our heroes are never forgotten.
This year 24 teams with about 300 individuals helped to raise about $40,000 for the foundation. The top fundraising team was the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, the top donor was Barry Friner, and the top fundraiser was Brad Bondroff.
A reception followed at the Firefighters Local 734 Union Hall across from the stadium. There was music, drawings, and giveaways and Firehouse Subs was on hand to provide free meals to all of the stair climb participants.
© Howard Meile III