I was humbled and honored to get the opportunity to participate in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., this year. The event is co-sponsored by Pierce Manufacturing and the Green Bay Metro Fire Department, with all proceeds benefiting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF).
Check out the photos and video from the event, plus some insights from my experience:
- Toughest moment of the climb: I’ve participated in stair climbs before, but during the first few flights at Lambeau, the steps were taller and lacked a handrail, making it somewhat challenging to find my rhythm. My legs began to feel quite heavy, and I even worried they might cramp. However, this sensation soon passed as I engaged with those around me, discovering their motivations and emotions for being there. I heard many inspiring stories that fueled my own determination. Once the climb transformed into something larger than my fatigue, I felt a surge of rejuvenation.
- Best moment of the climb: There were many! After finishing, I returned to the course to find some people I met along the climb. I found a group I initially passed from Vanair Manufacturing. They were all climbing for the first time and were slowly making progress. I found them on their last flight of the climb and was able to finish with them. Their excitement for the event and enthusiasm for the accomplishment were intense; I won’t forget that. Some of the best moments are still happening; I’ve received some great messages from people I met throughout the event. (Please keep them coming!)
- Top takeaways: As a fire service, we must continue to step up and support programs that promote a healthier and safer fire service. While this event had over 2,300 participants and raised over $140,000 for the NFFF, we can do better. My dream would be to have a Better Every Shift team of over 100 climbers for next year’s event.
See photos from the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in the gallery below:
Speaking with United Airlines pilots who attended the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb to honor first responders and the pilots who died on Sept. 11, 2001.
A local news appearance, speaking to the significance of the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb:
Tune in to a special cross-over episode of the Better Every Shift podcast:
Review more 9/11-focused special coverage on FireRescue1’s Sept. 11, 2001, resource page, featuring the following content and additional tributes and analysis:
