North Yorkshire firefighters complete Atlanta memorial stair climb in honour of 9/11 firefighters 

Nine firefighters from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service have completed the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund Memorial Stair Climb in Atlanta, Georgia, honouring the 343 FDNY firefighters who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001. 

The team climbed 110 floors in full fire kit, in temperatures exceeding 38°C, replicating the height of the World Trade Centre towers and paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice while responding to the attacks in New York. 

They joined more than 1200 firefighters from around the world, including 243 from the UK, for the international event held at the Atlanta Braves baseball stadium. 

The nine North Yorkshire firefighters who completed the challenge were Station Manager Mike Sutcliffe, Watch Manager Daz Smith, Crew Manager Steve Simpson, Firefighters Ash Davis, Toni Wooff Pepe, Josh Beagle, Dom Wood, Rik Duckworth and Tim Weller. 

Each firefighter carried the photograph of a firefighter who went to work on 11 September 2001 and never returned home. 

Station Manager Mike Sutcliffe, who took part in the climb, said: “This Stair Climb event was about far more than a physical challenge. It was an opportunity to remember the courage and sacrifice of the 343 firefighters who died on 9/11 and to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our American colleagues in their honour. The support shown to our team was overwhelming, and we were proud to represent North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. The event reminded us that, wherever we serve, the firefighting community is one family.” 

Chief Fire Officer Jonathan Dyson said: “Taking part in the Memorial Stair Climb was both a physical and emotional challenge for our firefighters. As well as honouring the memory of the 343 FDNY firefighters who lost their lives on 11 September 2001, the event is a reminder of the courage, selflessness and dedication that firefighters demonstrate every day in service to their communities. We are hugely proud of the team for representing North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service with such professionalism and humility. Their achievement reflects the very best of our Service and has also helped raise vital funds for charities that continue to support firefighters and their families.”
 

The challenge has raised money for three charities: The Fire Fighters Charity, the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund and the Blue Light Card Foundation. Donations remain welcome via the team’s JustGiving page. https://www.justgiving.com/page/northyorksfireclimb?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL   

ENDS 

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Notes to editors 

Please credit NYFRS for photos: