On Tuesday, firefighters from across Colorado gathered at 1801 California Street to climb 110 stories, honoring the first responders who died on September 11, 2001.
This year is the 20th anniversary of the Denver 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, an event started by five firefighters.
As we mark our 20th event, we reflect on how it’s grown nationally, but we always remember why we do it — to honor the sacrifices of 9/11 and those still being made today, said Oren Bersagel-Briese, one of the climb’s founders.
Before the climb began, there was a moment of silence for the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11. Each participant carried the name and photo of a fallen hero.
Andrew Kopp, a firefighter paramedic, shared, Each year, I remember the faces and names of those I’ve climbed for before. It’s a humbling experience that goes beyond just the number of fallen firefighters.
Photos of the 343 firefighters were placed along the stairwell, with many participants touching or carrying the pictures during their climb.
It’s important to think about their lives — they had families and dreams outside of their job. Honoring them this way makes it personal, Kopp said.
The climbers wore full gear, weighing over 50 pounds, and carried fire hoses with the names of the 343 fallen firefighters. The names on the hose represent the weight we carry to remember them, said firefighter Fred Zukowski, who was joined by his father, Michael.
This year was special because I got to do the climb with my son, who is starting his career as a firefighter. It’s an honor to share this with him, said Michael.
The stair climb is a powerful tribute, reminding firefighters of their bond as they push themselves physically and mentally to honor their fallen brothers and sisters.
We carry a tag in memory of them, and afterward, we reach out to their families to let them know they are not forgotten, Bersagel-Briese said.