Albuquerque unites for 9/11 Stair Climb and Memorial

Today, the City of Albuquerque, Mayor Tim Keller, and Fire Chief Emily Jaramillo memorialized the events of 09/11/2001 with a ceremony at Civic Plaza. Prior to the ceremony Albuquerque Area Firefighters completed a 110-story stair climb to honor the loss of almost 3,000 civilians and the sacrifice made by 343 firefighters, and 72 officers.

The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is an event that goes back to 2003 when Albuquerque Fire Department, Lieutenant Cogburn deployed in Afghanistan, ascended a two-story building 55 times wearing body armor, a helmet and M-4 rifle to honor the firefighters lost at the World Trade Center. He returned home, and in 2004, the stair climb was held for the first time in the United States and became the Albuquerque Firefighters Memorial Stair Climb. What began with Engine 5 and Engine 2 being dispatched at 8:46 AM to this same 22 story building over 20 years ago has grown in size and scope, but the spirit remains.  Firefighters gather to memorialize the fallen with tradition, reflection and ritual.

“What we witnessed on 9/11 and the events that followed proved that we are not defined by our differences but our common humanity,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “It became a testament of what truly unites us, our shared values, our love for this country and our commitment to freedom and justice. That is exactly the message we need to keep alive for our younger generations.”

 "We must honor the fallen, we must ensure that every decision we make is guided by our own true north, not by convenience or excuses, but by what best serves the people that we are entrusted to take care of," said Fire Chief Emily Jaramillo. "That is the spirit of service. Every decision we make, every policy we set, how we train, every action we take must ne measured against one question: does this serve the people that are counting on us when we need it most. That is how we never forget."