What is the Dallas 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb?

Fulfilling their promise to “NEVER FORGET,” firefighters and police officers from North Texas and beyond meet annually to honor the memory and sacrifice of their brothers and sisters who have died in the line of duty. After donning their protective gear or duty equipment, participants climb a total of 110 stories - symbolizing the trek to the top of the former World Trade Center Towers. Dallas’ Stair Climb is among a growing number of events held around the world to commemorate the events of September 11th.

What does it mean: "We climb because they climbed."
On September 11th 2001, hundreds of New York's Bravest and Finest responded to the attacks on the Twin Towers and raced up the 110 story structures in order to perform the largest rescue and high-rise firefighting operation to date.

The climb provides participants (active duty police and fire) unique insight into the physical challenges faced by NYC firefighters and police officers on 9/11. Witnessing the event provides spectators (family, friends and the general public) both an inspiring experience and intense reminder of the sacrifice, dedication and commitment required of public servants to protect their communities around the world.

A Symbolic Tribute
The Dallas 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is NOT A RACE, but rather a tribute honoring the sacrifices of fallen heroes. Our event features numerous symbolic elements that pay homage to the public safety community as well as the events of September 11th.

Throughout the climb, symbolic elements are placed within a timeline that mimics the events of that fateful day. Participants are given a biographical sketch and accountability tag of a NYC firefighter or police officer who gave their life on September 11th.

Climber groups will be assembled based upon the name they are climbing for, with the all of the fallen’s names placed into the same assignments as those on 9/11/01. Groups will remain together throughout the climb, arriving together at the top.

The moment that each tower collapsed (9:59 and 10:28) climbers will stop, firefighter distress alarms (PASS devices) are activated,taps will be played and a moment of silence is observed.

A Table of Honor will be prominently displayed the week before and after the climb in the Renaissance Tower lobby. Originally a military tradition, the table has been adapted to include specific police and fire elements and a "place setting" for the police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty in Texas since the last climb.

End of Watch and the ringing of the last alarm: 5-5-5-5.
As police officers and firefighters reach the top they will place their accountability tag on a board and ring a bell indicating that the individual they climbed for has made it to the top.

At the end of the climb, groups are given the opportunity for group pictures with one of four flags: US, Texas, Flag of Heroes and the Flag of Honor.

DALLAS