ABOUT US:
Firefighting is often called a Brotherhood. We share a Bond that only a Firefighter knows. We do not consider ourselves Heroes, we do what the "Job" requires and than some. Protection of Property and Save Lives, even at the Cost of our Own.
343 of New York's Finest Paid that Price September 11, 2001 by going up those stairs. While everyone else was going down and out to safety. Their actions that day saved thousands of lives. That's why we do this, we complete the "Climb" they started but were unable to finish. We do this in their Honor.
HISTORY OF OUR CLIMB:
The first Memorial Stair Climb occurred, September 11, 2003. When an Albuquerque Fire Dept. Lieutenant completed the climb, having went up and down a two story building 55 times. That first climb, firefighting gear and tools were not used, however body armor, a helmet and an M-4 were. The climb occurred overseas after being activated and deployed to support "Operation Enduring Freedom".
2004 the climb was brought back to Albuquerque when firefighters from Engine 5 and Engine 2, were dispatched at 8:46am (Initial Dispatch of FDNY Units) to the Bank of Albuquerque Building in downtown Albuquerque. This time full firefighting gear, air packs and tools were used. Being Albuquerque's tallest building 22 stories it was climbed 5 times.
2005 Rescue 5 joined the crews from Engines 5 and 2 and completed the 110 story climb.
With each year that passes the climbs have grown bigger and have spread across the country, and now even the world. Some events have been used as fundraisers for Burn Units in local hospitals, Local Fire Departments Bereavement Funds, the NFFF and many other charities and organizations. We prefer though here in Albuquerque to keep our event small and low key. So each member can reflect in their own way.
Whether you climb in a large city or a small town event. It doesn't matter. The event was started to "REMEMBER" and to "HONOR" those who gave their lives that day so others could live. They went in to do a "JOB" something that we all would have done.
May God Bless Them and their Families
and may God Bless America
Piece of Marble Floor from the first floor of Tower 1, is carried up and down by each member participating in our climb.