Mid-Missouri firefighters climb stairs to honor 9/11 victims

Members of the Sunrise Beach Fire Protection District completed a stair climb Sunday to honor firefighters who died at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

Eight firefighters with the SBFPD climbed 110 stories at Kansas City’s Crown Center while wearing their protective equipment.

The crew also carried a card bearing the name of one of 343 New York City Fire Department firefighters killed on 9/11.

“Some of our members felt very strongly about doing something to honor the sacrifice and remember all of the victims,” Chief Dennis Reilly said in a statement. “Our members did a very noble thing by participating in the climb and we are all thankful for having this opportunity.”

A total of 343 firefighters participated in the Kansas City stair climb.

According to the Kansas City 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, Columbia, Jefferson City, Sedalia and Pettis County firefighters also took part in the event.

WDAF-TV reports proceeds from the climb go to the surviving spouse and family endowment fund. More than 6,000 climbers from eight countries now participate in 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb events.