Shawnee Firefighters Climb 110 Stories to Honor Fallen 9/11 Heroes

Without fail, every year, members of the Shawnee Fire Department — and often their family members — take part in the OKC 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, honoring the firefighters and first responders who gave their lives on September 11, 2001. Meant to mirror the climb so many firefighters and first responders made that day, the physically grueling event is a reminder to never forget the sacrifice and tragedy of that September morning in New York City.

Wearing full turnout gear, participants climbed 110 stairs in Oklahoma City to honor the FDNY 343, PAPD 37, NYPD 23, NYFP 1, and EMT/Medic 8 and to honor the promise of "Never Forget." For the Shawnee firefighters who take part, it's a way of standing in solidarity with a profession that lost so many of its own on a single morning, and making sure that sacrifice isn't reduced to a date on a calendar.

Thank you to every Shawnee Fire Department member who continues to climb in honor of those who never made it back down. We are lucky to have these men and women keeping us safe in Pottawatomie County.