Firefighters on Fort Rucker took to the stairs of the Soldier Service Center today executing a memorial stair climb in honor of the victims of Sept. 11, with this year representing the 25th anniversary of the 2001 attacks.
More than 20 of Fort Rucker’s firefighters, as well as plenty of volunteers, supporters, and members of Fort Rucker leadership took time out of their day and climbed the stairs of building 5700 repeatedly until they’d climbed 110 flights of stairs, representing the number of flights of stairs in the World Trade Center. Many participants also wore a small picture of one of the firefighters who lost their lives attempting to evacuate the buildings.
“We try to recognize the 343 firefighters lost... 25 years ago it was a pretty big moment in time for us, a lot of us were just kids back then,” said Chris Quattlebaum, fire lieutenant and 20 year veteran firefighter. “It’s a big part of us and our traditions and remembering who we are as firefighters, a lot of us joined the service because of it.”
Many of them in turnout gear, the protective clothing and helmet worn by firefighters to protect them from injury and heat, and with some even carrying the oxygen tank, the firefighters climbed the stairs in the main lobby, and returned down a back stairwell to repeat the climb. Turnout gear is quite heavy, making the climb more challenging. “Being physically fit is part of the job, so we all train and try to stay in the best shape we can,” Quattlebaum said.
Around a decade old, the stair climbing event is just the most recent part of Fort Rucker’s 9/11 remembrance activities. In addition to the climb, Fort Rucker will also be holding a moving tribute walk Sept. 11 at 8:30 a.m. starting at Fire Station 1, located at the intersection of Andrews Ave. and Lucky Star Street on Fort Rucker.