On Sunday September 13th, 8 members from Christiana Fire gathered at the station at 0600hrs for a group meeting and to “pack”. Two POV’s were required to shuttle equipment and personnel to Clipper Magazine Stadium in Lancaster for the 5th Annual 9/11 Lancaster Memorial Stair Climb.

Arriving, the group was greeted by several pieces of apparatus in the parking lot, along with an American flag flown between two ladder trucks. Participant sign in began around 0800 followed by the choosing of the fallen brother. These fallen brothers were those that we came to walk for and remember during this special day. The call came at 0830hrs for all firefighters, EMTs, soldiers, police officers and civilians to report to the infield of the stadium for warm up’s. After the fitness instructor led warmup, personnel were briefed on how the day would run. With everyone’s attention drawn to our nation’s flag, the national anthem was played followed by the display of the 343 flags posted on the hill in center field. As the bell sounded the 5-5-5-5 signal, a moment of silence and prayer was had for all those lost. One-by-one all the climbers started the mission of completing the 110 flights of stairs. Five times around the stadium for a total of five miles. Gear, hose, SCBA, tools……everything that these brave individuals needed to do the job. As the clock hit 0959hrs all climbers paused for a moment of silence to symbolize the time of collapse of the World Trade Center’s South Tower followed by a PASS alarm sounding throughout the structure signaling a man down. The climb continued for another half hour until the PASS alarm sounded for the North tower collapse at 1028. As participants finished they remained to show support and to encourage those still finishing their climb.

At the completion of the event a group photo was taken of all 320 participants. Each one carrying a brother, reaching the top floors to save those in need.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the friends and families of all affected, we will never forget.