San Antonio Firefighters Scale 110 Stories for 9/11 Tribute

San Antonio firefighters recently recreated the heroic efforts of first responders from September 11, 2001, with a demanding endurance climb. Over 100 off-duty firefighters and cadets participated in the memorial event at the San Antonio Fire Department's training academy. They ascended and descended stairs to complete the equivalent of 110 stories, symbolizing the height of the World Trade Center's Twin Towers.

The tribute began with a solemn procession and prayer, accompanied by the SAFD's Pipe & Drum Brigade playing "Amazing Grace." Firefighters donned over 60 pounds of gear, mirroring the conditions faced by those who responded to the attacks. Each participant touched a salvaged beam from one of the Twin Towers and wore nametags of the 343 firefighters who perished on 9/11.

Throughout the climb, which started at 8:46 a.m., the firefighters observed moments of silence to mark significant times on September 11th. These included the impacts on the North and South Towers, the Pentagon attack, and the crash near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Following each silence, loud PASS device alarms were activated to simulate the sounds heard after the buildings collapsed.

This annual tradition, the SA 110 Memorial Climb, is designed to impress upon new cadets the ultimate sacrifice made by their predecessors. Many cadets were too young to remember the attacks. The event concluded with firefighters reading the names of the fallen responders and ringing a bell for each hero, a powerful reminder of the calling they have embraced.