As this Friday marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, nine firefighters from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) have successfully completed a challenging 110-floor memorial stair climb in Atlanta, USA, in tribute to the 343 firefighters who lost their lives while responding to the attacks in 2001.
Taking part in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb during the 25th anniversary year of the attacks, the team climbed the equivalent of the World Trade Centre towers' 110 floors to honour the courage, sacrifice and dedication of the firefighters who gave their lives while responding to the events of 9/11.
Representing MAWWFRS were Station Managers Carl Williams and Oliver Tziros, Crew Managers Antony Pugh and Steven Ratcliff, and Firefighters Rebecca Barden, Rhys Fitzgerald, Lisa Reynolds, Cristian James and Trystan Griffiths.
Having trained for several months in preparation, the team completed the demanding ascent alongside firefighters and emergency service personnel from across the world.
Team members described the experience as "humbling", "emotional" and "unforgettable", with several firefighters carrying the names and photographs of individual firefighters who died during the attacks. Firefighter Rebecca Barden said climbing in memory of Firefighter Michael J. Clarke made the challenge "much more emotional", while Crew Manager Antony Pugh reflected on how, after watching the events unfold as a 13-year-old, it was an honour to climb in remembrance of those who "never made it home". Firefighter Rhys Fitzgerald, who climbed in memory of Captain Daniel J. Brethel, said the challenge was physically demanding but "nothing compared to their sacrifice".
They also spoke of the strong camaraderie throughout the event, with Firefighter Christian James describing the experience as "a special event" that reinforced the sense of being part of a global firefighting family. Station Manager Oliver Tziros added that standing alongside firefighters and first responders from around the world to remember the 343 fallen firefighters was "something I'll never forget".
In addition to commemorating the fallen, the challenge raised valuable funds for three charities supporting members of the emergency services community and their families:
- The Fire Fighters Charity, providing life-changing support to UK firefighters and their loved ones.
- Blue Light Card Foundation, promoting the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of the Blue Light Community, including emergency services, health, social care and armed forces personnel.
- The Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund, supporting firefighters and their families in the United States.
Ahead of the 25th anniversary of 9/11 this Friday, the team's achievement serves as a powerful reminder of the bravery and sacrifice shown by the 343 firefighters who lost their lives, while also recognising the ongoing commitment, resilience and dedication demonstrated by emergency service personnel across the world every day.
Congratulations to the team on this incredible achievement.
