TULSA, Okla — More than one hundred firefighters from departments across Green Country met this morning to climb 110 flights of stairs in honor of the hundreds of first responders who lost their lives during the twin towers attack on September 11th, 2001.
Tulsa Fire, Broken Arrow Fire, and several other agencies came together Sunday morning to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice twenty-one years ago.
The ONE Gas tower was filled with several first responders accepting the call to action to pay their respects.
Each first responder was given two name cards with the name of a responder killed during the attacks.
They tackled one hundred ten floors with sixty-five plus pounds of bunker gear on.
Barrett Cramer, Tulsa Fire District Chief, said when you put on that gear, you become a servant to those in need. Whether that need be in a burning building or medical call.
“I think that really encompasses what we all are about. Kind of the servant attitude and others come before we do. And I think just continue giving that treatment to those members that gave a life and basically to make a statement that we’re willing to do the same thing”, Cramer said.
The participants walked up to the 35th floor and back down twice, then to hit 110 they finished it out with another trip to the 15th floor before ringing the bell and placing their victims' names on a board at the front of the building.
Jill Boeckman, Broken Arrow Fire Lieutenant, said “as a first responder I think it drives us every day in what we do. And the why, the why that we go to work every day”.
For some, this is their first climb, and while the nerves are there the immense sense of respect and honor is felt too.
And for others this climb has been made dozens of times.
After finishing the climb, you could see several people crying while they placed their victim's name on the board.
Carl Clifton, Coweta Firefighter, said, “I think it’s a lot about the tradition. And just honoring those that either were able and lucky enough to get out or for those that have fallen”.
Multiple first responders told 2 News they're thankful to be able to do this each year and it reminds them that this life isn't guaranteed, and to give it their all every time they put on their uniform.
“I feel like it’s just as new to us every year as it comes around as it was that day when I was sitting in 9th grade in the media center watching it happen”, Boeckman said.
Each person that climbed today paid a fee that goes to the Hydrants of Hope non-profit foundation that helps children with cancer.
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