9/11 Memorial stair climb held at Enmarket Arena

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Volunteers spent their Sunday morning climbing the steps of the Enmarket Arena. With each step taken, these people are finishing a climb that many never got to.

“This is our way to finish it with them,” said Savannah Firefighter Mike Thompson.

Each participant wore a photo of one of the 343 firefighters who died 24 years ago.

“They carry this to show that, you know, they didn’t get to finish their climb....as they finish the 110 floors, they ring a ceremonial bell that signifies that they, as well as their firefighter, have completed their assignment,” Thompson said.

This year was a first for climb organizers. It first started three years ago in a parking garage; this was the first year taking place inside the Enmarket Arena. Participants took on this climb in heavy gear, just like the first responders did 24 years ago.

“Some of us are in bunker gear. Some of us are in weight vests. But what people don’t realize is that, you know, they did that this morning. But they also had tools. They had equipment. They were carrying people down 110 flights of stories and then going back up. So, I mean, this is nothing compared to what they went through,” Thompson.

People came to participate, and just observe. All with the same goal of never forgetting those we lost.