Imperial Valley 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb happening next month
IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial Valley 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Committee will host the annual memorial event at the IV Fairgrounds to honor heroes lost in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers in New York City.
The Committee is a non-profit that was formed in 2019 to preserve the memory of the firefighters and law enforement officers alive, while also providing support to local first responders.
During the event, participants will climb the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center.
“As we know, this year holds a special significance in that we commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11th, and here in the Imperial Valley we will host our 13th annual Imperial valley 9/11 memorial and stair climb, here at the fairgrounds,” committee member Carlos Pitones shared.
Cedric Cesena, Deputy Fire Chief of Imperial County Fire Department explained the significance of the stair climb.
“The significance of climbing, it doesn’t come anywhere near what those 343 firefighters and more that actually worked on Ground Zero and actually were working to climb the towers to rescue people and put out the fires,” he said.
Cesena said that the first responders in the Imperial Valley regularly run emergency drills, like an attak where there are mass casualties.
“On a regular basis, we participate either in large scale exercises, in particular those that are full scale. And that means basically that we actually put boots on the ground and we operate as if a real emergency was happening,” he said.
Everyone still remembers where they were as the worst terrorist attacks on US soil unfolded.
“I remember exactly where I was,” recalled Pitones. “During that time I was serving as a Marine Corps drill instructor in San Diego, and, for those who know the Marine Corps recruit depot, the boot camp is right next to the airport in San Diego, and so it’s very significant in that no planes were flying in or out of the airports,” he said.
“It was definitely a day we will always remember,” he reflected.
Cesena added,”I’s always a good opportunity for us to remember what has happened in order to look forward at where we’re headed.”
Proceeds from the stair climb will go towards a permanent memorial, which will be installed at the Fairgrounds.
The funds raised will also go to scholarship opportunities for young people who have an interest in a first responder career, and to help first responder families who may need extra assistance.
The event is set for September 12, with check in starting at 6 p.m.
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