Kyle Fire Department to host 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

KYLE — Local firefighters and first responders will be showing their respects to the fallen heroes of 9/11 at 7 a.m. on Sept. 11 at Bob Shelton Stadium with the 3rd annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, hosted by the Kyle Fire Department.

“This event means so much to our department,” said KFD firefighter Trent McCarty. “It brings everyone together for us to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice the heroes before us made.”

According to KFD Communications Outreach Specialist Andy Womble, approximately 50 local firefighters and first responders will be climbing the equivalent of 110 flights of stairs, or 2,200 steps. This year, they’ll be carrying a section of hose with all 343 fallen firefighters' names written on it, along with a police officer vest with the fallen officers’ names written on it.

“This event gives first responders an opportunity to come together to honor a heartbreaking time in American history,” Womble said.

According to the Association of Memorial Stair Climbs, the first 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb occurred in Parwan Province in Afghanistan, when fire department Lt. Charles Cogburn of Albuquerque, New Mexico, ascended a two-story building 55 times wearing body armor, a helmet and an M-4. When Cogburn returned home, the climb was held on the following Sept. 11, 2004, in the United States for the first time at the 22-story Bank of Albuquerque, which firefighters climbed five times.

KFD hosted the event for the first time in 2020, due to neighboring climbs shutting down from the pandemic, Womble said. Since then, KFD has continued and made it a tradition to host its own event.

The climb is a symbolic gesture to honor those fallen heroes of 9/11, Womble added. Not only is it a time of remembrance, but it also provides a sense of camaraderie among local first responders.

“It brings not only firefighters, but first responders from all around the county together,” Womble said. “This event is nationwide and brings a sense of nationalism to its people.”

KFD Assistant Fire Chief Freddy Rolon explained that ultimately, the climb embodies what it means to be a first responder serving the community.

“9/11 is a special date for all first responders and those who work in public service. It was a day when a lot of good Americans lost their lives. What is specific for first responders, no matter the size of the disaster, is they were moving forward and trying to save people. They marked our history for first responders,” Rolon said. “Every year, we do our stair climb to keep those memories alive on how important the job we do is, the community we serve and the risks we take to save someone’s life. It’s our responsibility to keep those memories alive for the new generation and help teach them what is our purpose for serving the public.”

Womble added that the event is not only for department personnel, but it is also open to the public. The community is welcome to join in climbing the stairs or to simply view the event. There is no registration or fees to participate.