9/11 Tributes include Grueling Task for some TE Volunteers

Churches, business, private citizens and first responders paid tribute to the memory of those who died on September 11, 2001 and those who rushed into danger to serve the victims of the worst attack ever on the United States on American soil.

Three volunteers from the Berwyn Fire Company joined other first responders from around the region in a 100 story stair climb event held at a stadium in Lancaster Wednesday.  The purpose of the event is to simulate the grueling climb that some of the firefighters from the New York City Fire Department made as the twin towers burned. Hundreds never made it out.

Here's an account of Wednesday's event as posted on the Berwyn Fire Company's website.

Berwyn personnel participated in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb hosted at Clipper Magazine Stadium in Lancaster County. Nearly 200 first responders climbed the equivalent of 110 stories during this annual event.

What is a 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb?

On the morning of September 11th fire service members convene in high-rise buildings across the United States to climb 110 stories as a tribute to their fallen brothers. Some use air pack or carry hoses; many are in full turn-out gear; others are accompanied by rescue dogs. Each climber carries the photograph and biographical sketch of a firefighter who was lost on September 11, 2001.

Several climbs have been modified to enable civilians to participate, and are generally held in outdoor venues. For both types of event, the 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb is not a race, but an opportunity to honor and remember the 343 FDNY members who selflessly gave their lives so that others might live.

Read much more about the event and its history here on the Berwyn Fire Company website.