On Saturday, September 7, Cordell Fire Department’s Mason Helvey and Dalton Alexander participated in the 13th Annual OKC 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, an event held at Leadership Square and Oklahoma Tower in Oklahoma City. This climb, while challenging, is a tribute to the extraordinary bravery of the first responders who sacrificed their lives during the attacks on September 11, 2001.
The memorial event is not to remember the tragedy that struck that day but to pay homage to the remarkable, courageous, and self-sacrificing individuals who answered the call when our country needed them most. Firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics, and civilians take part in this grueling task to honor the fallen heroes of the FDNY, PAPD, NYPD, EMS, and others who made the ultimate sacrifice. “I had the honor of participating in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in remembrance of the firefighters, law enforcement, medics, and all others who lost their lives,” shared Helvey. Participants, including Helvey and Alexander, ascended 110 floors in honor of the 343 FDNY firefighters, 37 PAPD officers, 23 NYPD officers, eight EMS workers, and one NYFP firefighter who perished in the line of duty. Climbers are encouraged to wear their full gear, including SCBA for firefighters and full-duty uniforms for law enforcement officers, making the p hysical demands even more intense.
Helvey continued, “The experience was tough physically and mentally. I’m very thankful that I got to be a part of it. I’m also thankful for the supporters I had on my side, as well as a fellow firefighter, to encourage and push each other. We climb to remember.”
Each participant climbs with a special tag around their neck, bearing the name of one of the fallen heroes. After completing the climb of the 110 floors, the climbers place their tag on a board and ring a bell, signifying that they have completed the climb in remembrance of their fallen counterparts. This powerful tradition is a moving reminder of the sacrifice made that day.
“As a firefighter, I’ve always wanted to honor those who went on their final call on 9/11. [The OKC 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb] is the best way to do that. You carry that name to honor someone who was so selfless as to not run in fear in what was probably the scariest moments of someone’s life. They hid their fear and gave their lives to save so many,” expressed Alexander.
Helvey and Alexander, alongside 343 firefighters, 61 law enforcement officers, and eight paramedics/EMTs, committed themselves to the event’s mission of “Never Forget.” Civilians also joined in, honoring the passengers and crew of United Flight 93 and American Flight 11. Proceeds from the event benefited the Oklahoma Firefighters Foundation, furthering support for those who continue to protect and serve.
“The experience was truly remarkable. Seeing all the first responders willing to push themselves to honor these men and women is something else. We are all in for the same reason and goal! Everyone encouraged everyone. It really showed the brotherhood in firefighting,” said Alexander.
Cordell’s firefighters’ loved ones supported them at the 13th annual event, cheering them on during the challenging event. Their presence added an extra layer of strength and motivation as the firefighters honored the fallen heroes of 9/11.
Their participation indicates the dedication and courage of firefighters like Helvey and Alexander, who embody the selflessness of those who came before them. By completing this climb, they ensured that the memories of the fallen will live on and the promise to “Never Forget.”