We’re quickly approaching the 11th anniversary of 9-11, and some area firefighters are again doing something special to honor those who died.
It’s a stair climb to remember the firefighters who gave their lives, running up the twin towers in hopes of saving lives.
It’s a climb many people will never have to do, or may even want to do for that matter. But this weekend, participants will make their way up hundreds of stairs at the corporate cove building on Wausau’s west side.
The idea is simple - symbolically climb the 110 stories of the world trade center. Area fire departments have invited people to sign up to climb one of Wausau’s larger towers. Corporate Cove is 8 stories tall, so participants will have to do it 12 times to get a feeling of what New York Firefighters faced on that tragic day.
Rothschild Firefighters say the cause is something they truly believe in. Thomas Mahar, of the department says the climb is something he has been looking forward to. "These stair climbs are our way to show honor to them. We wear name tags to show that honor."
Al Knox had a chance to make the climb, suited up in full fire gear. It weighs around 70 pounds, and feels like it gets heavier with each step. Firefighters say the stair step is the least they can do to pay respect to the fallen firefighters.
All the money raised will go to a variety of causes - the National Firefighters Foundation, The New York Police Department, The Port Authority, or a more local cause - a memorial for Marathon County Deputy-- and volunteer firefighter - Jamison Kampmeyer, who lost his life on March 4th while fighting a fire in Abbotsford.
Firefighters say that local tie makes this year's climb carry all the more meaning. The climb is set for Saturday morning. Organizers say more than 400 people are already signed up, making this year’s event the biggest ever.
Click here to register.
