OCALA, FL. (352 Today) — In a powerful tribute to the heroes of 9/11, Marion County Fire Rescue firefighters and recruits gathered Friday morning at the Florida State Fire College to take part in the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.
Each participant climbed the equivalent of 110 stories—the height of the World Trade Center towers—symbolizing the heroic efforts of first responders who ascended those buildings in a desperate effort to save lives on Sept. 11, 2001.
Marion County Fire Rescue and recruits honor 9/11 heroes with an annual stair climb, climbing 110 stairs, the height of the World Trade Center. Images courtesy of Marion Fire Rescue.
The event honors the memory of 343 firefighters, 72 law enforcement officers, 55 military personnel, and nearly 3,000 civilians who lost their lives in the attacks. For those participating, the climb is more than a physical challenge—it’s a solemn act of remembrance.
Organized annually across the country, 9/11 stair climbs are held by fire departments and first responder agencies to ensure the legacy of service and unity endures. In Marion County, the tradition has become an important moment of reflection for new recruits and seasoned firefighters alike.
The stair climb also underscores the department’s ongoing commitment to honoring the sacrifices of emergency personnel—past and present—and to fostering a deep sense of purpose among its ranks.
As the nation marks the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, events like these continue to bring communities together. Marion County Fire Rescue’s participation serves as a reminder of the enduring strength, resilience, and unity that rose from that tragic day—and of the promise to never forget.