Charlotte, NC 9/11 Stairclimb

We all know how tragic the events of September 11th changed this country and the fire service.  Now the phrase "Never Forget" is thrown around like hello, some mean it and some don't.  Our Union recently hosted a 9-11 stairclimb to remember the 343 as well as the Police and EMS who were killed that tragic day.  It was unbelievable to be a part of the planning of this event, but it was even better to be a part of it on 9-11 with all of the participants.  Our committee climbed it prior to 9-11 as a press getter and it worked.  I climbed in full gear and carried 50 ft. of 2.5 for the first 55 and then went on air for the last 55.  It was a humbling and difficult experience.  I climbed in memory of Steven Siller of Squad 1.  This firefighter came in off duty ran 3 miles to the towers with his gear and perished.  My kind of guy.  This experience brought a range of emotions that can't be put into words, but it took me back to that day as I'm sure it did to many of the participants.

I remember being on the phone with my mother when the first tower fell, the first words I said were "Do you know how many firemen just died?"  I wasn't on the line at the time but it was a dream of mine to be a fireman.  That day solidified that for me.  These guys were heroes in every sense of the word.

One of the coolest parts of our climb was that we had 60 police officers and 10 EMS workers participate.  This gave us the chance to show that not just the FDNY lost people.  It was incredible to see CMPD and other Police officers climbing side by side with Charlotte Firefighters and other Firefighters from all around.  Everyone honored the memory of someone and carried them up the 110 floors that we all climbed.  The point I want to make is that we need to remember what happened that day not just in our country but within our profession.  Many saw that we rush in when everyone else is going out.  They began to hold us in a more heroic light, sure politicians will depending on the day, but our profession changed. 

Make sure you prepare yourself with knowledge and skills to help you if you encounter such a difficuklt situation as many FDNY members did that day.  Never forget that 343 brothers were lost that day, and that 343 families have a hole that will never be filled.  Take care of each other around that station, and don't forget that telling your family "thank you" every now and then can go a long way too.  When they watch 9-11 stuff they put our face in one of the 343 boxes they see on the shows.

Until the next time, stay safe, and stay trained.