NEWS FROM 2020
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Local firefighters took part in this annual stair climb to honor the firefighters that were killed on 9/11. However, this year it looked a little different.Normally, more than 100 firefighters climb the 110 stories of the bank building, however, this year only 25 were able to participate due to COVID-19. Crews were dressed in full protective gear, including a breathing apparatus, making the climb more difficult.
Participants say it brings an even more somber remembrance of what responders had to go through 19-years ago. “It really is so that we can remember those who lost their lives so that way we don’t forget and it’s really important that we continue this tradition regardless of what e have to change to make it happen,” said Lt. Tom Ruiz of Albuquerque Fire Rescue.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Local firefighters took part in this annual stair climb to honor the firefighters that were killed on 9/11. However, this year it looked a little different.Normally, more than 100 firefighters climb the 110 stories of the bank building, however, this year only 25 were able to participate due to COVID-19. Crews were dressed in full protective gear, including a breathing apparatus, making the climb more difficult.
Participants say it brings an even more somber remembrance of what responders had to go through 19-years ago. “It really is so that we can remember those who lost their lives so that way we don’t forget and it’s really important that we continue this tradition regardless of what e have to change to make it happen,” said Lt. Tom Ruiz of Albuquerque Fire Rescue.
NEWS FROM 2019
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Local firefighters marked the 9/11 anniversary with their annual stair climb.
Retired and active crew members climbed 22 stories the US Eagle building in Downtown five times. It represents the 110 stories the firefighters in New York had to climb in the World Trade Center. That day, 343 firefighters died.
“What were their families thinking about whenever they knew their loved ones were in that building? When they knew their loved ones were responding to that event, whether it was the Pentagon, the Towers,” said Deputy Chief Dean Gallegos.
An An Albuquerque firefighter started the stair climb tradition back in 2003 when he was serving overseas in Afghanistan. The next year, fellow firefighters joined him as he performed it in Albuquerque. Since then, departments across the country have followed in their footsteps.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Local firefighters marked the 9/11 anniversary with their annual stair climb.
Retired and active crew members climbed 22 stories the US Eagle building in Downtown five times. It represents the 110 stories the firefighters in New York had to climb in the World Trade Center. That day, 343 firefighters died.
“What were their families thinking about whenever they knew their loved ones were in that building? When they knew their loved ones were responding to that event, whether it was the Pentagon, the Towers,” said Deputy Chief Dean Gallegos.
An An Albuquerque firefighter started the stair climb tradition back in 2003 when he was serving overseas in Afghanistan. The next year, fellow firefighters joined him as he performed it in Albuquerque. Since then, departments across the country have followed in their footsteps.
NEWS FROM 2018
Albuquerque remembers 9/11
By Steve Knight / Journal Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 11th, 2018 at 11:35pm
Copyright © 2018 Albuquerque Journal
Virtues like love, unity and sacrifice were on the minds of those who gathered Tuesday in Downtown Albuquerque to remember those who died in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Seventeen years ago, jihadist hijackers took control of four commercial airliners, crashing two of them into the World Trade Center’s twin towers in New York and a third into the Pentagon in Washington. The fourth jet crashed near Shanksville, Pa., as some of the passengers attempted to retake the aircraft from the hijackers.
Nearly 3,000 people died that day as a result of the attacks, including 343 firefighters, 71 law enforcement officers and 55 military personnel who were first responders.
On Tuesday morning, led by a band of bagpipers performing “Scotland the Brave” and “The Minstrel Boy,” more than 100 Albuquerque and Bernalillo County firefighters made their way through the lobby of the Albuquerque Plaza tower to participate in the annual stair climb in remembrance of those first responders.
Wearing full firefighting bunker gear with about 50 pounds of equipment, the firefighters were cheered on by family members and onlookers lining the way to the building’s stairs, where the men and women climbed up and down the 22-story tower five times, the equivalent of 110 stories. That’s the same number of stories in the World Trade Center towers.
Carlos Hernandez, one of four firefighters from the Bernalillo County Fire Department participating in Tuesday’s event, said sacrifice is part of the firefighting profession.
“They sacrificed their lives for people they didn’t know,” Hernandez said. “To me, that’s the ultimate sacrifice.
“In today’s world with social media, it’s all about me, me, me. This is a reminder of what those men and women did that day. We don’t want another attack, but we have to be ready.”
Retired Albuquerque fire department Lt. Charles Cogburn is credited with starting the local climb. He was serving with the military in Afghanistan in 2003 when he saw televised 9/11 remembrance ceremonies taking place in the United States.
The following year, he organized the city’s first stairwell climb with members of the stations where he worked, Engine 5 and Engine 2.
After Tuesday’s climb, those gathered then assembled at Civic Plaza for a noontime ceremony to hear speakers pay tribute to the 9/11 victims. The names of the victims at the World Trade Center, Pentagon and on the four hijacked airliners appeared on a video screen.
“We all remember where we were when we first saw it or heard it and how we reacted,” Gov. Susana Martinez said. “Waking up on that, what should have been just another Tuesday morning, the day pointed to the reality of the evil that exists in the world and the horror and tragedy that came with it. But on that morning, we also witnessed the love, dedication and spirit of the men and women who put themselves in harm’s way to protect others.”
On that day, said City Council President Ken Sanchez, “America and its people did not flinch. Today … we in America reclaim the spirit and unity, the promise and hope that we believe in. Today, we are more resilient as American people.”
The number “343” is a sacred number in the fire service, Albuquerque Fire Rescue Chief Paul Dow said.
“We remember these 343 firefighters along with nearly 3,000 civilians in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.,” Dow said. “We’re not here to relive the tragedy that occurred 17 years ago, but to remember it and to honor those who fell that day.”
The keynote speaker was Chaplain Mindi Russell of Sacramento, Calif., who worked with first responders and victims at Ground Zero for more than two weeks. She said there was nothing at Ground Zero but dust and ash – nothing that resembled the office building that once stood there.
“We were ushered to the middle of Ground Zero and we were in the midst of the valley of the shadow of death with dust and ash whirling around us, choking us every step of the way,” Russell said. “I know it was during the day, but there was not a sound to be made. We walked and talked with the people who were first responders, already exhausted after nine hours of searching, just searching for one person to be alive in that mud and ash and dust, and yet they couldn’t find anything, let alone a resemblance of any kind of office.”
The ceremony’s conclusion included bagpipers playing “Amazing Grace” and a last alarm presentation of striking the “four-fives,” five bell strikes repeated four times as a way to signal that a firefighter has responded to his or her last alarm.
NEWS FROM 2017
Firefighters mark 9/11 with annual stair climb
By Rick Nathanson / Journal Staff Writer
Published: Monday, September 11th, 2017 at 1:15pm.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — As the group of Albuquerque firefighters snaked their way through the lobby of the Albuquerque Plaza tower on Monday, onlookers lined the way and applauded during the yearly remembrance of first responders who died during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Dressed in full firefighting bunker gear, and carrying 45 pounds or more of equipment, 50 men and women of the department climbed up and down the 22-story tower five times, the equivalent of 110 stories – the same number of stories in the ill-fated World Trade Center towers.
Retired fire department Lt. Charles Cogburn is credited with starting the annual climb. He was serving with the military in Afghanistan in 2003 when he saw televised 9/11 remembrance ceremonies taking place in the United States.
“I felt compelled to do something, so I grabbed my weapon and helmet and went to find a staircase in a building and climbed the equivalent of 110 stories,” he said.
Back in Albuquerque the following year he organized the first stairwell climb with members of Fire Department Engine 5 and Engine 2, the stations out of which he was based. The event got noticed nationally and fire departments in other cities began having their own climbs. About 200 cities were expected to hold similar climbs in their communities on Monday, Cogburn said.
“It’s humbling. I never dreamed or imagined it would take off like it did, but firefighting is a brotherhood and we share a lot together, joys and tragedies,” he said.
Capt. Alberto Ortega said Sept. 11 is “a day when firefighters, not only in Albuquerque, but across the nation,” come together to remember the 343 firefighters, police officers and other first responders who perished after answering the call for help.
“It’s great to see the participation, and it shows we will never forget,” Ortega said. “You never hear anybody complaining or anybody gripe about doing it. We all know why we do it, and it’s something we do on a day-in and day-out basis.”
In Rio Rancho Monday evening, Gov. Susana Martinez joined local officials including the daughter, and now local resident, of one of the 9/11 firefighters whose bodies were never found for a ceremony at Vista Verde Cemetery that included a 21-gun salute and helicopter flyover.
NEWS FROM 2016
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – As thousands of people ran down the stair wells of the World Trade Center 15 years ago Sunday, many ran up the stairs and never got out.
Now, firefighters pay tribute to those who gave their lives that day.
“343 of New York’s finest gave their life that day, getting people out of the buildings, something that all of us here would have done,” said retired AFD Lieutenant Chuck Cogburn.
It’s hard to image what was going through their heads.
“Their actions that day saved thousands of lives,” Cogburn said.
Risking their lives to save others.
“I’m sure a lot of them knew that they weren’t going to go home that night,” Cogburn explained.
Sunday, 15 years later, firefighters honor those fallen heroes with their own journey up 110 flights of stairs.
A journey Anthony Rodriguez made at the age 36.
He was in the second fire engine to arrive at the World Trade Center that morning.
“He died doing what he loved, he loved serving his country,” Lynnette Rodriguez said, Anthony was her father. She was just a teenager at the time.
“We went there the day after, they let the families go down to ground zero and just the smell and the horrific sights, something you never get out of your head,” Rodriguez said.
She remembers him as man who lived to help others.
“We are proud that he died saving other lives and knowing that there were people out there that he pushed out of the way that could have perished as well,” Rodriguez explained.
So Sunday, a tribute to those brave men and women.
Even everyday people getting a tiny glimpse of what it took to climbs those steps.
“We should be proud of those that went up the building as everybody else was going out and honor them,” she said.
And never forget, because for this mom, who lost her father 15 years ago.
“I always wondered how he’d be as a grandfather and that’s hard.”
Now, firefighters pay tribute to those who gave their lives that day.
“343 of New York’s finest gave their life that day, getting people out of the buildings, something that all of us here would have done,” said retired AFD Lieutenant Chuck Cogburn.
It’s hard to image what was going through their heads.
“Their actions that day saved thousands of lives,” Cogburn said.
Risking their lives to save others.
“I’m sure a lot of them knew that they weren’t going to go home that night,” Cogburn explained.
Sunday, 15 years later, firefighters honor those fallen heroes with their own journey up 110 flights of stairs.
A journey Anthony Rodriguez made at the age 36.
He was in the second fire engine to arrive at the World Trade Center that morning.
“He died doing what he loved, he loved serving his country,” Lynnette Rodriguez said, Anthony was her father. She was just a teenager at the time.
“We went there the day after, they let the families go down to ground zero and just the smell and the horrific sights, something you never get out of your head,” Rodriguez said.
She remembers him as man who lived to help others.
“We are proud that he died saving other lives and knowing that there were people out there that he pushed out of the way that could have perished as well,” Rodriguez explained.
So Sunday, a tribute to those brave men and women.
Even everyday people getting a tiny glimpse of what it took to climbs those steps.
“We should be proud of those that went up the building as everybody else was going out and honor them,” she said.
And never forget, because for this mom, who lost her father 15 years ago.
“I always wondered how he’d be as a grandfather and that’s hard.”
NEWS FROM 2015
ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) – Retired and active firefighters with the Albuquerque Fire Department marked the anniversary and the actions of fellow firefighters in New York City that day with the annual stair climb.They wear full gear and climb the Bank of Albuquerque to honor those that made a similar climb at the World Trade Center.
NEWS FROM2014
Remembering 9/11 in Albuquerque
Uniquely ABQSeptember 11,
2014 / Kelly
Several Albuquerque events took place today in remembrance of the
victims, families and first responders of the September 11, 2001 terrorist
attacks, including a continued tradition at the Bank of Albuquerque building
downtown. Albuquerque firefighters climbed the 110 stories at the bank building
in honor of the first responders who died in the attacks. The stair climb has
taken place since 2003 here in Albuquerque.
A Memorial Ceremony was also held at Civic Plaza and community members were
invited to participate in a stair climb at the City Hall building this morning.
Other events of remembrance have taken place throughout the week.
ALBUQUERQUE (KOB TV 4) Albuquerque firefighters paid tribute to the victims of 9/11 in their own
special way Thursday morning.
More than 50 firefighters climbed the 22 flights of stairs in the
Bank of Albuquerque building five times to equal the number of floors in the
World Trade Center towers.
"It's not about me," said firefighter Elizabeth Hernandez. "It's our
tribute to the New York firefighters."
Hernandez has been a firefighter for 13 years. She wanted to honor
the 343 firefighters who paid the ultimate price on September 11th.
"This is not an easy thing," said David Downey, AFD's chief. "They
will wear all of their gear. They will wear their breathing apparatus and we try
to simulate what it would have been like on September 11th for our brothers in
the city of New York when they had to climb up the World Trade Center
stairwells."
Albuquerque firefighters have been doing the stair climb every year
for the past 12 years.
ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Area firefighter’s paid tribute to the
victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks Thursday with their annual stair
climb.
The firefighters are from Albuquerque, Bernalillo County and Kirtland Air
Force Base and other area departments. They received applause as they made their
way through the Bank of Albuquerque building Thursday morning to coincide with
the time the first plane struck the tower.
For these firefighters Thursday is an important day to honor their 343
brothers who died that day.
“It’s definitely to respect and honor our fallen brothers you know terrible
day in history in America and humanity…that’s why we do it to honor them,” Rick
Suazo said.
The firefighters climbed 110 flights of stairs, the same number of flights
many of the firefighters climbed that day before the twin towers fell.
Uniquely ABQSeptember 11,
2014 / Kelly
Several Albuquerque events took place today in remembrance of the
victims, families and first responders of the September 11, 2001 terrorist
attacks, including a continued tradition at the Bank of Albuquerque building
downtown. Albuquerque firefighters climbed the 110 stories at the bank building
in honor of the first responders who died in the attacks. The stair climb has
taken place since 2003 here in Albuquerque.
A Memorial Ceremony was also held at Civic Plaza and community members were
invited to participate in a stair climb at the City Hall building this morning.
Other events of remembrance have taken place throughout the week.
ALBUQUERQUE (KOB TV 4) Albuquerque firefighters paid tribute to the victims of 9/11 in their own
special way Thursday morning.
More than 50 firefighters climbed the 22 flights of stairs in the
Bank of Albuquerque building five times to equal the number of floors in the
World Trade Center towers.
"It's not about me," said firefighter Elizabeth Hernandez. "It's our
tribute to the New York firefighters."
Hernandez has been a firefighter for 13 years. She wanted to honor
the 343 firefighters who paid the ultimate price on September 11th.
"This is not an easy thing," said David Downey, AFD's chief. "They
will wear all of their gear. They will wear their breathing apparatus and we try
to simulate what it would have been like on September 11th for our brothers in
the city of New York when they had to climb up the World Trade Center
stairwells."
Albuquerque firefighters have been doing the stair climb every year
for the past 12 years.
ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Area firefighter’s paid tribute to the
victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks Thursday with their annual stair
climb.
The firefighters are from Albuquerque, Bernalillo County and Kirtland Air
Force Base and other area departments. They received applause as they made their
way through the Bank of Albuquerque building Thursday morning to coincide with
the time the first plane struck the tower.
For these firefighters Thursday is an important day to honor their 343
brothers who died that day.
“It’s definitely to respect and honor our fallen brothers you know terrible
day in history in America and humanity…that’s why we do it to honor them,” Rick
Suazo said.
The firefighters climbed 110 flights of stairs, the same number of flights
many of the firefighters climbed that day before the twin towers fell.
NEWS FROM 2013
KRQE TV 13, Albuquerque NM
ALBUQUERQUE (KASA) - It is a day of remembrance across the country and here at home. September 11th is one of the nation's saddest anniversaries and a chance to remember and honor those who lost their lives 12 years ago Wednesday.
A long list of 9/11 events are happening Wednesday in New Mexico. Wednesday morning started out with a solemn ringing of the bells at Sacred Heart Catholic Church near downtown, a place that has a special connection to the tragedies from 9/11.
Two steel beams from one of the world trade center towers now make up the bell tower at the local church.
The bells in the tower started ringing at 6:46 a.m. to coincide with each crash of the four planes that were taken down by terrorists on September 11th, 2001.
Albuquerque firefighters were the next to show their tribute to the victims and their fallen brothers from that day by climbing the stairs of the Bank of Albuquerque building. Firefighters in full gear climbed up and down the stairs of the 22-story building five times to simulate the full climb that firefighters made in the World Trade Center towers that day.
“The 9/11 Stair Climbs have become a big tradition in the fire service, not only here in Albuquerque but across the country and around the world,” "It is our way of paying our Respects to our Brothers in FDNY they started the Climb that day, we Honor them by competing the climb in their memory". Retired AFD Lieutenant Chuck Cogburn said.
The city of Albuquerque is remembering 9/11 with a ceremony at civic plaza. Members from Albuquerque police and fire as well as the mayor and a city councilor are all paying tribute to first responders.
A long list of 9/11 events are happening Wednesday in New Mexico. Wednesday morning started out with a solemn ringing of the bells at Sacred Heart Catholic Church near downtown, a place that has a special connection to the tragedies from 9/11.
Two steel beams from one of the world trade center towers now make up the bell tower at the local church.
The bells in the tower started ringing at 6:46 a.m. to coincide with each crash of the four planes that were taken down by terrorists on September 11th, 2001.
Albuquerque firefighters were the next to show their tribute to the victims and their fallen brothers from that day by climbing the stairs of the Bank of Albuquerque building. Firefighters in full gear climbed up and down the stairs of the 22-story building five times to simulate the full climb that firefighters made in the World Trade Center towers that day.
“The 9/11 Stair Climbs have become a big tradition in the fire service, not only here in Albuquerque but across the country and around the world,” "It is our way of paying our Respects to our Brothers in FDNY they started the Climb that day, we Honor them by competing the climb in their memory". Retired AFD Lieutenant Chuck Cogburn said.
The city of Albuquerque is remembering 9/11 with a ceremony at civic plaza. Members from Albuquerque police and fire as well as the mayor and a city councilor are all paying tribute to first responders.
NEWS FROM 2012
KOB TV 4, Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque FD to hold 9/11 'stair climb' Posted: 09/11/2012 03:07:05 AM MDT
September 11, 2012 12:44 PM GMTUpdated: 09/11/2012 06:44:13 AM MDT
The Associated PressAssociated Press
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—The Albuquerque Fire Department is scheduled to hold its annual "stair climb" in honor of firefighters killed during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. A group of firefighters will wear full bunker gear Tuesday and will climb 110 stories, the same height as the Twin Towers of New York City. The firefighters will be dispatched from Station 5 at 9:03 a.m. and will respond to the Bank of Albuquerque Building to begin the climb. Since 2003, the Albuquerque Fire Department has organized the climb as a way to honor the 343 firefighters killed in the line of duty that day.
Read more: Albuquerque FD to hold 9/11 'stair climb' - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/ci_21514858?source=bb#ixzz28pdBA0gY
Read The Denver Post's Terms of Use of its content: http://www.denverpost.com/termsofuse
KOAT TV 7
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. --Albuquerque firefighters continued their annual tradition of honoring those who died on Sept. 11, 2001 with a ceremonial stair climb.
Suited up in their full bunker gear, Albuquerque firefighters were dispatched from Station 5 to the Bank of Albuquerque at exactly 9:03 a.m. -- the time the second tower of the World Trade Center was hit in 2001. From there they climbed 110 stories, the same height as the Twin Towers, to honor the 343 firefighters who died on Sept. 11.
"This experience is very humbling, my brothers fell, along with many others, and it's nice to be able to remember they didn't have a choice to stop, they didn't have a choice to take a break," Albuquerque firefighter Jeremy Gonzales said.
Retired Albuquerque Fire Department Lt. Chuch Cogburn started the stair climb while deployed overseas in 2003. He brought the tradition to Albuquerque the next year.
"It's tough. It's a butt-kicker. It's something you really can never prepare for. You try to, but it's still tough," Cogburn said. "It's a time to reflect. It's a time to honor everybody that died that day."
Firefighters from as far away as Georgia joined in on the climb. All the firefighters said they were honored and humbled to take part in the event.
This is the ninth year firefighters have taken part in the stair climb.
September 11, 2012 12:44 PM GMTUpdated: 09/11/2012 06:44:13 AM MDT
The Associated PressAssociated Press
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—The Albuquerque Fire Department is scheduled to hold its annual "stair climb" in honor of firefighters killed during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. A group of firefighters will wear full bunker gear Tuesday and will climb 110 stories, the same height as the Twin Towers of New York City. The firefighters will be dispatched from Station 5 at 9:03 a.m. and will respond to the Bank of Albuquerque Building to begin the climb. Since 2003, the Albuquerque Fire Department has organized the climb as a way to honor the 343 firefighters killed in the line of duty that day.
Read more: Albuquerque FD to hold 9/11 'stair climb' - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/ci_21514858?source=bb#ixzz28pdBA0gY
Read The Denver Post's Terms of Use of its content: http://www.denverpost.com/termsofuse
KOAT TV 7
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. --Albuquerque firefighters continued their annual tradition of honoring those who died on Sept. 11, 2001 with a ceremonial stair climb.
Suited up in their full bunker gear, Albuquerque firefighters were dispatched from Station 5 to the Bank of Albuquerque at exactly 9:03 a.m. -- the time the second tower of the World Trade Center was hit in 2001. From there they climbed 110 stories, the same height as the Twin Towers, to honor the 343 firefighters who died on Sept. 11.
"This experience is very humbling, my brothers fell, along with many others, and it's nice to be able to remember they didn't have a choice to stop, they didn't have a choice to take a break," Albuquerque firefighter Jeremy Gonzales said.
Retired Albuquerque Fire Department Lt. Chuch Cogburn started the stair climb while deployed overseas in 2003. He brought the tradition to Albuquerque the next year.
"It's tough. It's a butt-kicker. It's something you really can never prepare for. You try to, but it's still tough," Cogburn said. "It's a time to reflect. It's a time to honor everybody that died that day."
Firefighters from as far away as Georgia joined in on the climb. All the firefighters said they were honored and humbled to take part in the event.
This is the ninth year firefighters have taken part in the stair climb.
From the Denver Post, Denver, CO
From KFOR Channel 4, Oklahoma City, OK
Firefighters take to the stairs to remember 9/11 Submitted by Kim Querry Wednesday, September 5th, 2012, 11:21am
Topics: Events, Families, News Share on printPrint Share on emailE-mail
Firefighters from around the state will be testing their skills this weekend to remember those who lost their lives trying to save others in the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil.
The first 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb occurred on September 11, 2003 during "Operation Enduring Freedom" in Afghanistan.
Lt. Charles Cogburn, with the Albuquerque Fire Department, scaled a two story building 55 times wearing body armor, a helmet and an M-4.
When he returned home, word of his tribute spread and became a yearly event to remember those who lost their lives climbing 110 flights in the World Trade Center towers.
The Oklahoma City Memorial Stair Climb will be the first of its kind in the Sooner State with 343 firefighters from around the state climbing stairs in full gear to remember the 343 firefighters who were killed that day.
As another component of the tribute, each climber will be assigned a badge with a name and photograph of one of the fallen firefighters, symbolically completing the climb they weren't able to finish.
The Oklahoma City event will be held Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 120 N. Robinson in downtown Oklahoma City.
Participants will take to the stairs beginning at 8:47 a.m., the time the first call for help was received.
All money raised from the event will benefit the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial and the National Fallen Firefighter Fund.
For more information, or to donate, visit the OKC Stair Climb website.
_____________________________________________________________________
Topics: Events, Families, News Share on printPrint Share on emailE-mail
Firefighters from around the state will be testing their skills this weekend to remember those who lost their lives trying to save others in the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil.
The first 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb occurred on September 11, 2003 during "Operation Enduring Freedom" in Afghanistan.
Lt. Charles Cogburn, with the Albuquerque Fire Department, scaled a two story building 55 times wearing body armor, a helmet and an M-4.
When he returned home, word of his tribute spread and became a yearly event to remember those who lost their lives climbing 110 flights in the World Trade Center towers.
The Oklahoma City Memorial Stair Climb will be the first of its kind in the Sooner State with 343 firefighters from around the state climbing stairs in full gear to remember the 343 firefighters who were killed that day.
As another component of the tribute, each climber will be assigned a badge with a name and photograph of one of the fallen firefighters, symbolically completing the climb they weren't able to finish.
The Oklahoma City event will be held Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 120 N. Robinson in downtown Oklahoma City.
Participants will take to the stairs beginning at 8:47 a.m., the time the first call for help was received.
All money raised from the event will benefit the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial and the National Fallen Firefighter Fund.
For more information, or to donate, visit the OKC Stair Climb website.
_____________________________________________________________________
By: KOB.com staff
People in Albuquerque came together Tuesday to remember those killed 11 years ago on 9/11.
Gov. Martinez, Mayor Berry and other leaders attended a ceremony starting at 8:46 a.m. - the instant the first plane hit the World Trade Center.
We caught up with a member of the Blue Star Mothers group, who says this day is important to her.
Kathy Frazier is president of the Rio Grande Blue Star Mothers.
"It's real close to our family, she said. "My husband was in the Air Force and my dad was in the Air Force, so we've been a military family for a long time."
At 9:15 a.m., Albuquerque firefighters held their annual 9/11 stair climb at the Bank of Albuquerque building.
Firefighters carried their gear the equivalent of 110 stories - the same height as the Twin Towers.
They have been doing this since 2003 to honor the 343 firefighters killed during the terrorist attack.
One Albuquerque firefighter explains why this is important.
"The reason why we are doing this is to remember all the events that took place on September 11," said Casey Duree.
"This is just to remember all the people that passed away, all 443 fire fighters, police, all the civilians that passed away during the events that took place."
Duree says this event puts a lot into perspective on what the firefighters in New York went through. They say this task was hard - but they're always prepared for an event like 9-11.
Stay with KOB throughout the day for coverage of the memorial events
Albuquerque FD to hold 9/11 'Stair Climb'
By The Associated Press
Posted: 09/11/2012
07:02:35 AM MDT
ALBUQUERQUE - The Albuquerque Fire Department is
scheduled to hold its annual "stair climb" in honor of firefighters killed
during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.
A group of firefighters will wear full bunker gear Tuesday and will climb 110
stories, the same height as the Twin Towers of New York City. The firefighters
will be dispatched from Station 5 at 9:03 a.m. and will respond to the Bank of
Albuquerque Building to begin the climb.
Since 2003, the Albuquerque Fire Department has organized the climb as a way
to honor the 343 firefighters killed in the line of duty that day.
NEWS FROM 2011
Albuquerque Journal, Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque Plans to Remember
At 8:46 a.m., the Albuquerque Fire Department will conduct the 9th annual 9/11 Stair Climb, in which firefighters in full gear climb 110 stories, equal to the height of the Twin Towers. Firefighters will be dispatched from Station 5 to the Bank Of America at 201 Third St. NW, where they will honor the 343 firefighters who died in the line of duty on 9/11.
Read more: ABQJournal Online » Albuquerque Plans To Remember 9/11 http://www.abqjournal.com/main/2011/09/10/news/albuquerque-plans-to-remember-911.html#ixzz1YBB4vI5Q
At 8:46 a.m., the Albuquerque Fire Department will conduct the 9th annual 9/11 Stair Climb, in which firefighters in full gear climb 110 stories, equal to the height of the Twin Towers. Firefighters will be dispatched from Station 5 to the Bank Of America at 201 Third St. NW, where they will honor the 343 firefighters who died in the line of duty on 9/11.
Read more: ABQJournal Online » Albuquerque Plans To Remember 9/11 http://www.abqjournal.com/main/2011/09/10/news/albuquerque-plans-to-remember-911.html#ixzz1YBB4vI5Q
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KOAT TV Channel 7, Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque Firefighters Climb 110 Flights for 9/11
(ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) -- To honor the 343 firefighters who died in the World Trade Center on 9/11, Albuquerque firefighters climbed 110 stories on the 10th Anniversary of the attacks on Sunday.
Since 2003 the firefighters have commemorated the event by climbing the same amount of stairs that were in the Twin Towers. They climbed 22 flights of stairs of the Bank of Albuquerque building five times wearing full gear.
Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio
Monday, September 12, 2011 at 2:12PM Wadzanai MhutePermalink
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(ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) -- To honor the 343 firefighters who died in the World Trade Center on 9/11, Albuquerque firefighters climbed 110 stories on the 10th Anniversary of the attacks on Sunday.
Since 2003 the firefighters have commemorated the event by climbing the same amount of stairs that were in the Twin Towers. They climbed 22 flights of stairs of the Bank of Albuquerque building five times wearing full gear.
Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio
Monday, September 12, 2011 at 2:12PM Wadzanai MhutePermalink
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NEWS FROM 2010
Albuquerque Journal, Albuquerque, NM
NM Sunday, September 12, 2010
Remembering the Fallen; Building the Future
"It's still fresh. We can't ever forget this day. If you start losing things, if you start not remembering and rallying around it, things tend to repeat themselves," said retired Albuquerque Fire Department Lt. Chuck Cogburn.
It so happened Sept. 11 nine years ago was Firefighters Day at the State Fair, and Cogburn, a former member of the mounted search and rescue team, was headed there.
"We were loading up our horses, and we saw the initial news outbreak, and then we watched the second plane hit," Cogburn said, recalling the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks that tumbled the World Trade Center towers in New York City, struck the Pentagon and downed an airliner in Pennsylvania.
"We went down to the fair and just kept going back and forth between radio and TV, and that day, too, I got put on alert with the National Guard."
On Saturday, the anniversary of the attacks, Cogburn and about 20 off-duty city firefighters were "dispatched" to the Duke City's tallest building: the 22-story Bank of Albuquerque building Downtown. In full gear, they made their way up and down the stairs five times — mirroring the 110-story height at which the Towers once stood — to mark the day that nearly 3,000 people were killed, including more than 300 firefighters.
The event was one of several ways city residents commemorated 9/11 on Saturday.
"Being a firefighter, it's a tight-knit community," said Cogburn, who organized the stair climb when it first took place in 2003. It has since spread to other cities around the world. Up and down the narrow stair confines, the firefighters passed signs taped by building tenants to the walls, messages like "Thank You."
"We not only do it in remembrance of the fallen firefighters, but in support of the families whose family members did die — fathers, brothers, sons," said AFD fire inspector Raymond C. Sanchez, a climber. "We all know that at any time it could be any one of us."
Read more: ABQJOURNAL NEWS/METRO: Remembering Fallen; Building the Futurehttp://www.abqjournal.com/news/metro/12224943metro09-12-10.htm#ixzz1YM8wLelb
KKOB Radio 770, Albuquerque, NM
SEVERAL EVENTS ARE PLANNED TO MARK THE 9-11 ANNIVERSARY THIS WEEKEND. THEY START WITH A MEMORIAL SERVICE AT NOON FRIDAY ON CIVIC PLAZA IN DOWNTOWN ALBUQUERQUE. THEN, ON SATURDAY, THE 8TH ANNUAL ALBUQUERQUE FIRE DEPARTMENT'S FIREFIGHTER 9-11 STAIRCLIMB GETS UNDERWAY AROUND 9:15 AM AT THE BANK OF ALBUQUERQUE, DOWNTOWN. A GROUP OF FIREFIGHTERS, IN FULL BUNKER GEAR, WILL CLIMB 110 STORIES, THE SAME AS THE HEIGHT OF THE TWIN TOWERS.
IN RIO RANCHO, A MEMORIAL CEREMONY IS PLANNED FOR 10:00 SATURDAY MORNING AT VISTA VERDE MEMORIAL PARK. RETIRED NEW YORK FIREFIGHTER, ROBERT WHITING, WHO NOW LIVES IN RIO RANCHO, WILL BE PLACING SOIL FROM GROUND ZERO AT THE PARK.
From the 770 KKOB 24-HR NEWSROOM
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Remembering the Fallen; Building the Future
"It's still fresh. We can't ever forget this day. If you start losing things, if you start not remembering and rallying around it, things tend to repeat themselves," said retired Albuquerque Fire Department Lt. Chuck Cogburn.
It so happened Sept. 11 nine years ago was Firefighters Day at the State Fair, and Cogburn, a former member of the mounted search and rescue team, was headed there.
"We were loading up our horses, and we saw the initial news outbreak, and then we watched the second plane hit," Cogburn said, recalling the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks that tumbled the World Trade Center towers in New York City, struck the Pentagon and downed an airliner in Pennsylvania.
"We went down to the fair and just kept going back and forth between radio and TV, and that day, too, I got put on alert with the National Guard."
On Saturday, the anniversary of the attacks, Cogburn and about 20 off-duty city firefighters were "dispatched" to the Duke City's tallest building: the 22-story Bank of Albuquerque building Downtown. In full gear, they made their way up and down the stairs five times — mirroring the 110-story height at which the Towers once stood — to mark the day that nearly 3,000 people were killed, including more than 300 firefighters.
The event was one of several ways city residents commemorated 9/11 on Saturday.
"Being a firefighter, it's a tight-knit community," said Cogburn, who organized the stair climb when it first took place in 2003. It has since spread to other cities around the world. Up and down the narrow stair confines, the firefighters passed signs taped by building tenants to the walls, messages like "Thank You."
"We not only do it in remembrance of the fallen firefighters, but in support of the families whose family members did die — fathers, brothers, sons," said AFD fire inspector Raymond C. Sanchez, a climber. "We all know that at any time it could be any one of us."
Read more: ABQJOURNAL NEWS/METRO: Remembering Fallen; Building the Futurehttp://www.abqjournal.com/news/metro/12224943metro09-12-10.htm#ixzz1YM8wLelb
KKOB Radio 770, Albuquerque, NM
SEVERAL EVENTS ARE PLANNED TO MARK THE 9-11 ANNIVERSARY THIS WEEKEND. THEY START WITH A MEMORIAL SERVICE AT NOON FRIDAY ON CIVIC PLAZA IN DOWNTOWN ALBUQUERQUE. THEN, ON SATURDAY, THE 8TH ANNUAL ALBUQUERQUE FIRE DEPARTMENT'S FIREFIGHTER 9-11 STAIRCLIMB GETS UNDERWAY AROUND 9:15 AM AT THE BANK OF ALBUQUERQUE, DOWNTOWN. A GROUP OF FIREFIGHTERS, IN FULL BUNKER GEAR, WILL CLIMB 110 STORIES, THE SAME AS THE HEIGHT OF THE TWIN TOWERS.
IN RIO RANCHO, A MEMORIAL CEREMONY IS PLANNED FOR 10:00 SATURDAY MORNING AT VISTA VERDE MEMORIAL PARK. RETIRED NEW YORK FIREFIGHTER, ROBERT WHITING, WHO NOW LIVES IN RIO RANCHO, WILL BE PLACING SOIL FROM GROUND ZERO AT THE PARK.
From the 770 KKOB 24-HR NEWSROOM
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NEWS FROM 2009
KRQE TV Channel 13, Albuquerque, NM
Metro area remembers 9/11 Updated: Friday, 11 Sep 2009, 11:37 AM MDTPublished : Friday, 11 Sep 2009, 11:37 AM MDT
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- Reporter: Jeff Todd
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NEWS FROM 2008
Albuquerque Journal, Albuquerque, NM
Memorial Events for 7th anniversary of 9/11-- 11 Sep 2008 Published: Thursday, 11 Sep 2008, 13:25PM
MDT
Reporter: L.Lopez([email protected]
(ALBUQUERQUE N.M.)--Albuquerque Firefighters climbed the 22 stories of the Bank of America building in dowtown Albuquerque 5 times, the same size as the twin towers (110 stories). Remembering fallen heroes today, by re-enacting a small portion of what New York Firefighters did that day. Up and down in full gear. Firefighters say it is the least that they can do for the Brothers They've lost. AFD have made this a tradition. They've done it for five years in a row now.
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MDT
Reporter: L.Lopez([email protected]
(ALBUQUERQUE N.M.)--Albuquerque Firefighters climbed the 22 stories of the Bank of America building in dowtown Albuquerque 5 times, the same size as the twin towers (110 stories). Remembering fallen heroes today, by re-enacting a small portion of what New York Firefighters did that day. Up and down in full gear. Firefighters say it is the least that they can do for the Brothers They've lost. AFD have made this a tradition. They've done it for five years in a row now.
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NEWS FROM 2007
Albuquerque Journal, Albuquerque, NM
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Memorial Mass for 9/11 Victims Held at N.M. Church Housing WTC Beams
(ALBUQUERQUE N.M.)--More than 250 citizens and law enforcement members gathered in downtown Albuquerque at noon for a ceremony remembering the victims of 9/11.
Under a large American flag hoisted by two firetruck cranes, Mayor Martin Chavez recalled efforts by officers from New Mexico to help with the search and recovery at the World Trade Center after the terrorist attacks.
"Clearly we are a nation at war and we are divided on that issue ... but we are not divided in recognizing all who have served,'' Chavez said. "We will never forget. Today we are all New Yorkers here in New Mexico.''
Fire Chief Robert Ortega remembered the 342 New York firefighters who died on 9/11 and said those who worked in the recovery effort "show the true character of America.''
"Our ethics of responsibility are intact ... and we will continue to honor, protect and serve,'' he said.
Nearby, Albuquerque Firefighters memorialized those lost by FDNY by climbing the stairs at the Bank of Albuquerque building.
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Memorial Mass for 9/11 Victims Held at N.M. Church Housing WTC Beams
(ALBUQUERQUE N.M.)--More than 250 citizens and law enforcement members gathered in downtown Albuquerque at noon for a ceremony remembering the victims of 9/11.
Under a large American flag hoisted by two firetruck cranes, Mayor Martin Chavez recalled efforts by officers from New Mexico to help with the search and recovery at the World Trade Center after the terrorist attacks.
"Clearly we are a nation at war and we are divided on that issue ... but we are not divided in recognizing all who have served,'' Chavez said. "We will never forget. Today we are all New Yorkers here in New Mexico.''
Fire Chief Robert Ortega remembered the 342 New York firefighters who died on 9/11 and said those who worked in the recovery effort "show the true character of America.''
"Our ethics of responsibility are intact ... and we will continue to honor, protect and serve,'' he said.
Nearby, Albuquerque Firefighters memorialized those lost by FDNY by climbing the stairs at the Bank of Albuquerque building.
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NEWS FROM 2006
Albuquerque Journal, Albuquerque, NM
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Chávez: 'Today We Are All New Yorkers'
(ALBUQUERQUE N.M.)-- An American flag had been raised to the tops of two 105-foot ladders on Albuquerque Fire Department trucks. Pillars held long white banners printed with the names of the dead. Firefighters climbed stairs all to commemorate the attacks of September 11, 2001.
"Today we are all New Yorkers," Mayor Martin Chávez said to crowds at Civic Plaza, site of the city-sponsored 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Monday.
The event honored not only those who died in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Somerset County, Pa., on that morning five years ago, but those who died afterward in Afghanistan and Iraq.
It honored the men and women serving in the military. It honored the men and women serving at home, as firefighters and police officers.
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Chávez: 'Today We Are All New Yorkers'
(ALBUQUERQUE N.M.)-- An American flag had been raised to the tops of two 105-foot ladders on Albuquerque Fire Department trucks. Pillars held long white banners printed with the names of the dead. Firefighters climbed stairs all to commemorate the attacks of September 11, 2001.
"Today we are all New Yorkers," Mayor Martin Chávez said to crowds at Civic Plaza, site of the city-sponsored 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Monday.
The event honored not only those who died in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Somerset County, Pa., on that morning five years ago, but those who died afterward in Afghanistan and Iraq.
It honored the men and women serving in the military. It honored the men and women serving at home, as firefighters and police officers.
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NEWS FROM 2005
Albuquerque Journal, Albuquerque, NM
Monday, September 12, 2005
City Reflects on 3 Tragedies
(ALBUQUERQUE N.M.)-- A somber ceremony, marked by wind, thunder and rain, packed an emotional triple punch at Albuquerque's Civic Plaza on Sunday.
In addition to remembering those who lost their lives in New York City in 2001, the city's annual Sept. 11 commemorative service included the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Former Albuquerque police officers Richard Smith and Michael King, killed in the line of duty three weeks ago, also figured prominently in the ceremony.
"We combined the three (tragedies) because people are treating them emotionally as one," said Mayor Martin Chávez in an interview after the event.
"These are tough times for Americans."
On the east side of Civic Plaza, an enormous American flag hung between the extended ladders of two fire trucks. Firefighters, police officers, mounted patrol and individuals from several search-and-rescue organizations formed a circle around the audience of about 75. Nearby local Firefighters once again climbed the Bank of Albuquerque Building 5 times in full gear to honor the FDNY losses that day.
The rain worsened after speeches by Chávez and the commander of Kirtland Air Force Base, prompting a move to the council chambers. Inside, plans for Heroes Park were unveiled.
The park, to open at Osuna and Wyoming next year, will be a memorial garden for all police, firefighters and corrections officers who are killed on the job.
As the crowd began to relocate on Sunday, a woman sat under a tree alone, weeping, with the rain falling around her.
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City Reflects on 3 Tragedies
(ALBUQUERQUE N.M.)-- A somber ceremony, marked by wind, thunder and rain, packed an emotional triple punch at Albuquerque's Civic Plaza on Sunday.
In addition to remembering those who lost their lives in New York City in 2001, the city's annual Sept. 11 commemorative service included the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Former Albuquerque police officers Richard Smith and Michael King, killed in the line of duty three weeks ago, also figured prominently in the ceremony.
"We combined the three (tragedies) because people are treating them emotionally as one," said Mayor Martin Chávez in an interview after the event.
"These are tough times for Americans."
On the east side of Civic Plaza, an enormous American flag hung between the extended ladders of two fire trucks. Firefighters, police officers, mounted patrol and individuals from several search-and-rescue organizations formed a circle around the audience of about 75. Nearby local Firefighters once again climbed the Bank of Albuquerque Building 5 times in full gear to honor the FDNY losses that day.
The rain worsened after speeches by Chávez and the commander of Kirtland Air Force Base, prompting a move to the council chambers. Inside, plans for Heroes Park were unveiled.
The park, to open at Osuna and Wyoming next year, will be a memorial garden for all police, firefighters and corrections officers who are killed on the job.
As the crowd began to relocate on Sunday, a woman sat under a tree alone, weeping, with the rain falling around her.
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NEWS FROM 2004
Albuquerque Journal, Albuquerque, NM
Honoring the Heroes of 9/11: Saturday September 11 2004,
(ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.)-- Three years to the minute that terrorists flew the first plane into the twin towers, a moment of silence will be held at 8:46 a.m. Saturday to begin the ceremony at ground zero. Then, in what has become an anniversary tradition, the names of the 2,749 trade center victims will be recited, with pauses for three more moments of silence - at 9:03, 9:59 and 10:29 a.m. - to mark when the second plane struck and each tower collapsed. The day of remembrance will end with twin beams of light soaring into the night sky.
At the Pentagon, officials will lay a wreath and observe a moment of silence. And in Pennsylvania, bells will toll across the state at the minute the fourth plane went down.
Nationwide, communities will observe Sept. 11 in their own ways, with services at firehouses, memorial dedications, the tolling of bells, and flag ceremonies. In Springfield, Mo., a garden will be dedicated to 9/11 victims, and in New Mexico, residents plan to gather at an Albuquerque church where two trade center beams are on display. Albuquerque Firefighters will also honor rescuers with a 110 story climb in full firefighting gear.
(ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.)-- Three years to the minute that terrorists flew the first plane into the twin towers, a moment of silence will be held at 8:46 a.m. Saturday to begin the ceremony at ground zero. Then, in what has become an anniversary tradition, the names of the 2,749 trade center victims will be recited, with pauses for three more moments of silence - at 9:03, 9:59 and 10:29 a.m. - to mark when the second plane struck and each tower collapsed. The day of remembrance will end with twin beams of light soaring into the night sky.
At the Pentagon, officials will lay a wreath and observe a moment of silence. And in Pennsylvania, bells will toll across the state at the minute the fourth plane went down.
Nationwide, communities will observe Sept. 11 in their own ways, with services at firehouses, memorial dedications, the tolling of bells, and flag ceremonies. In Springfield, Mo., a garden will be dedicated to 9/11 victims, and in New Mexico, residents plan to gather at an Albuquerque church where two trade center beams are on display. Albuquerque Firefighters will also honor rescuers with a 110 story climb in full firefighting gear.
