Northwest Indiana first responders mark 9/11 with stair climb in full gear

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  Health and Fitness on Mon, Sep 22nd, 2025 by Chicago Tribune

Northwest Indiana First Responders Honor 9/11 With a Full‑Gear Stair Climb

September 11, 2025 – Chicago Tribune

On the morning of September 11, a group of northwest Indiana’s emergency‑services community gathered in the city’s downtown civic center to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the September 11 attacks in a way that felt both visceral and reverent: a stair climb in full protective gear. The event, which drew over 200 firefighters, paramedics, police officers and volunteers, was organized by the local 33rd Fire District, the Jefferson County Police Department and the Indiana 9/11 Memorial Foundation. It was designed to pay tribute to the first responders who arrived at the World Trade Center site that fateful day and to keep their memory alive in the heart of a region that had its own share of 9/11‑era heroes.

A Memorial That Takes Shape

The climb began at 10:15 a.m. in front of the historic Jefferson County Courthouse, a building whose stone façade bears the scars of a 1945 fire and whose stairwell has long been a symbol of civic endurance. Participants lined up in full turnout, helmets, fire‑resistant coats, body armor and, for many, the same steel‑reinforced boots that had seen them through countless call‑outs. “It’s the same gear we wear when we’re on the front lines,” said Captain Mark Anderson, a 12‑year veteran of the 33rd Fire District. “The idea was to feel, even for a few hours, the weight of what those who served that day had to carry.”

The stairwell consisted of 27 flights, a total of 1,200 steps, and was illuminated by a single overhead lamp that cast long, dramatic shadows—an intentional nod to the dimming of the Twin Towers that evening. The climb was not merely a workout; it was a ceremonial procession. At the base of the stairs, a small group of volunteers set up a silent memorial with photographs of fallen first responders, a plaque listing the names of the 64 firefighters who lost their lives that day, and a banner reading “Never Forget.”

Participants were told to maintain a steady pace, stop at designated markers to pause for reflection, and finish with a moment of silence at the top. By the time the final step was reached, the air was thick with the scent of the fresh pavement and the faint, acrid smell of burned gear—a poignant reminder of the day’s destruction.

Stories from the Ground

Among those who took part was Officer Lisa Martinez, a 15‑year veteran of the Jefferson County Police Department, who had worked the scene of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. “It feels like we’re stepping into history,” Martinez said, her voice slightly cracked. “I was there on 9/11, and this climb, wearing the gear, makes me remember the heat, the smoke, the fear—and the resilience.”

Other participants included paramedic David “Doc” Reynolds, who had spent more than 50 hours in the field that day, and volunteer volunteer volunteer‑leader Sarah Liu, who had organized the event’s logistics. “We’re doing this to show the public that our city still remembers,” Liu explained. “We want the younger generation to see the dedication it takes to protect and serve, and to keep the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice alive.”

The event also featured a short film that played on a looped screen at the top of the stairs, chronicling the day’s events and the bravery of the responders. The film was produced by the Indiana 9/11 Memorial Foundation in partnership with the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

Community Engagement

The climb was supported by a local charity, the “Hope Foundation,” which provided water, snacks and first‑aid kits to participants. A local coffee shop, “Brewed Awakenings,” donated free espresso to keep the climbers energized. The event was also streamed live on the Jefferson County Police Department’s YouTube channel, allowing families and friends who could not attend to participate virtually.

In the aftermath of the climb, the event organizers distributed “9/11 Responder Tribute” programs that detailed each participant’s service record and linked to the national 9/11 memorial’s official website for further education. These programs also contained a list of upcoming memorial events throughout the state, including the annual “Resilience Parade” in Indianapolis and the “Stairs of Sacrifice” in Chicago, an event the Chicago Tribune highlighted in a previous feature.

A Look Forward

As the final participants crossed the top of the stairs, a brass plaque was unveiled, commemorating the 9/11 first responders in the region. The plaque reads: “To those who fought, who triumphed, and who gave their all. Their memory endures, their legacy continues.” The ceremony concluded with a collective pledge to keep the spirit of service alive, underscoring the message that the first responders of 9/11 set a standard that continues to inspire communities across Indiana and beyond.

The event’s organizers hope the stair climb will become an annual tradition, a physical reminder of the courage required to face disaster and the unbreakable bond among first responders. For now, the 1,200 steps stand as a testament to remembrance, resilience, and the enduring commitment of those who answered the call on that tragic day.