Fire and police officials from throughout the county honored first responders who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with their annual tribute at the Lewis-Arriola Fire Department station.
This was the fourth year the event has been held, said Lewis-Arriola Fire Chief George Deavers. A few dozen first responders gathered Wednesday evening at the fire station in full gear to simulate the stair climb of those who responded to the attack at the World Trade Centers in New York City 18 years ago.
The memorial event took place at the three-story training tower built at the station along County Road S in 2018. First responders traipsed up and down the stairs, winding their way up along the outside of the structure and down through the building itself.
To simulate the experience, the crew climbed the equivalent of 110 stories – or 53 laps.
Deavers said that they also use the event to raise funds for the families of the 412 first responders who died in 2001, including 343 firefighters, 60 police officers, eight EMTs, and a fire patrolman.
Southwest Memorial Hospital representatives also attended the tribute.
ealvero@the-journal.com
