Albuquerque unites for 9/11 Stair Climb and Memorial
Firefighters perform stair climb and community gathers at Civic Plaza to “Never Forget”
Today, the City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County memorialized the 25th Anniversary 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, 72 officers and 55 service members.
The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is an event that goes back to 2003 when 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. “Never Forget has become testament of what truly unites us, our shared values, our love for this country and constant reminder of the sacrifice that was made that day. That is exactly the message we need to keep alive and foster for our younger generations.”
"25 years have passed since 343 FDNY firefighters embarked on a search and rescue mission that would define the fire service and change the world,” said Fire Chief Emily Jaramillo. “We must memorialize the fallen, honor the sacrifice, and reinforce the spirit of service not just every anniversary, but every day. That is how we never forget."
“Bernalillo County Fire Rescue is honored to partner with Albuquerque Fire Rescue to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of 9/11,” said Fire Chief Zach Lardy. “This partnership reflects the unity of the fire service as we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and reaffirm our shared commitment of public service”.
