COVID-19 shut down many annual Sept. 11 remembrance events this year; however, Colorado’s firefighters did not let the pandemic stop them from honoring the fallen.

Friday morning, people from all over the state gathered virtually to participate in the Colorado Stair Climb, an annual event begun by Colorado firefighters to honor those killed on Sept. 11.

In previous years, the Stair Climb involved 343 firefighters who would gather to climb 110 flights of stairs, the height of the World Trade Center, to remember the 343 firefighters who died serving on Sept. 11.

“Through firefighter and community participation, we can ensure that each of the 343 firefighters is honored and that the world knows we will never forget,” said Troy Markel, chairman of the NFFF board of directors, in the climb’s opening ceremony.

The Stair Climb aims to honor the memory of the fallen firefighters and demonstrate the participating firefighters’ commitment to the physical and mental preparation necessary to protect others. 

The climb also serves as a fundraiser for the New York City Fire Department and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

So far today, Colorado has raised nearly $16,000 through the Stair Climb.

This year, the climb was open to all participants, who simulated the 110-flight climb by climbing 2,200 steps, running a 9.11K or doing any physical exercise they preferred. People were encouraged to participate between 8:46 a.m. and 10:28 a.m. on Friday but the event is open for completion until Dec. 31.

“Many are taking this challenge for the first time. We want to thank each of you for your work and for your support in honoring those who have fallen in the line of duty,” said NFFF Executive Director Chief Ron Siarnicki in the opening ceremony.

The annual event first began in 2005 with only five firefighters from Denver Fire Department and the Castle Rock Fire Department participating. By 2007, it grew to several hundred participants from all over the state.

Since 2009, over 40 climbs across the country have been held annually, raising over $6 million for the FDNY and the NFFF.