The Sacramento Memorial Stair Climb took place today, bringing together firefighters from across the region, including the Folsom Fire Department, to honor the 343 firefighters who perished during the September 11, 2001, attacks. Participants climbed 110 stories in full gear to commemorate the height of the World Trade Center towers.
Most know the details of the day that shocked America 23 years ago when on the morning of September 11, 2001, four coordinated terrorist attacks were carried out by the extremist group al-Qaeda. Two hijacked planes were flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, causing both towers to collapse within hours. A third plane crashed into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., while the fourth plane, United Flight 93, crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to regain control from the hijackers.
In New York City alone, nearly 3,000 people were killed, including hundreds of first responders who rushed into the towers to save others. The 343 firefighters who died that day were part of the Fire Department of New York’s largest-ever response, with over 2,000 firefighters mobilized. In addition to the firefighters, 72 law enforcement officers also lost their lives.
The events of 9/11 caused widespread devastation, collapsing not only the Twin Towers but also several nearby buildings and damaging others. The recovery and cleanup at Ground Zero lasted for months, with first responders and volunteers working tirelessly amid hazardous conditions, leading to long-term health issues for many. The impact of 9/11 continues to be felt in the firefighting community, with illnesses related to the dust and debris claiming more lives in the years that followed.
To keep their memory alive, the Sacramento Memorial Stair Climb limits participation to 343 firefighters each year, representing the exact number of firefighters who died on 9/11. The 110-story climb at Esquire Tower on Sacramento’s K Street, symbolizes the flights of stairs that first responders ascended in the World Trade Center on that fateful day as they attempted to save others. Those who participate in the climb do so in full gear, consisting of full turnouts and they eat carry the name of a firefighter that died in the 2001 event.
Folsom firefighters that registered for the event prior to Wednesday included Michael Johnson Jr., Jeffrey Smith, Scott Vasquez, Jared Ralph, Justin Lopez, John Drum, Mike Piemonte, Jack Skow, Augustine Alcanter, Martin Odestig and Erick Johnson.
This annual event serves as a physical and emotional tribute to the bravery of those who gave their lives, ensuring that their legacy continues in the hearts of firefighters across the nation and firefighter home to continue it for years to come.
Folsom Fire