Firefighters Climb WTC Stairs In Full Gear To Honor 9/11 Fallen
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- More than 300 firefighters from around the world climbed the stairs of a World Trade Center skyscraper Sunday morning in honor of their brethren killed on 9/11.
The 72-story climb was held at 4 World Trade Center.
"Good cause. ... Never forget that these guys gave the ultimate sacrifice," one firefighter from Coral Gables, Florida, told WCBS 880's Peter Haskell.
The morning started with a moment of silence at the 9/11 Memorial. Then the 343 firefighters began their climb.
The number of participants matched the number of FDNY members killed on 9/11. Photos of each of them lined the stairwell at 4 World Trade Center on Sunday.
Sweaty and spent, finishers were greeted at the top.
Final flight of 72-story stair climb at #4WTC. 343 climbing in memory 343 #FDNY killed on 9/11. @wcbs880 pic.twitter.com/pwEIwWSTXi
— Peter Haskell (@peterhaskell880) March 13, 2016
The event was started by firefighters Chris Barber and John Mills.
"Personally, I lost my father in the South Tower, so obviously he runs through my head," Mills said.