Kansas City-area firefighters climb 110 stories to honor 343 FDNY members lost on 9/11
By Alan Shope
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KANSAS CITY, Missouri (KMBC) — Firefighters from Kansas City and across the nation climbed 110 stories on Sunday in full gear to honor the 343 FDNY firefighters who lost their lives in the September 11 attacks.
“It’s unbelievable, it’s an honor,” said Lenexa firefighter Kevin Sellers. “To be able to finish what they started, to be able to persevere even though you’re tired, to remember what they did and how they were tired yet they just continued to do what they were called to do.”
The event, now in its 16th year, brought together 343 Kansas City area firefighters to climb the equivalent of 110 floors, the height of the World Trade Center towers.
Participants carried more than 80 pounds of gear as they ascended the hot stairwells, step after step.
“It weighs heavy on our firefighters who are climbing,” said Kevin Joles, public information officer for the Kansas City Stair Climb. “Obviously, they know why they’re climbing. As you’ll see in the stairwell, there are pictures of the fallen that are hung up on every story, so they have motivation as they climb.”
The climb involved walking 34 floors three consecutive times, followed by an additional eight floors to reach the symbolic 110 stories.
At the top, participants had the opportunity to ring a bell in remembrance.
“That was the most intense physical workout you’ll ever experience,” said Capt. David Little of the Lenexa Fire Department.
Joles highlighted the significance of the event.
“Our motto is to never forget, and the only way to never forget is to continue to come back every year,” he said.
The climb also served as a fundraiser for the Spouses and Family Endowment Fund, which supports the families of fallen firefighters.
Family and friends were encouraged to attend and cheer on the participants as they completed the tribute.
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