Memorial Stair Climb Marks 9/11 Anniversary

VENTURA, Calif. (KEYT) First responders responded to the Crown Plaza early Sunday morning, but not for an emergency.

They joined in the Memorial Stair Climb to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice September 11, 2001, 25 years ago.

Oxnard firefighter Daniel Keller carried his therapy dog Riggs in a back pack during the climb. 

"I was in first grade it was something i still remember vividly and something i still carry with me my whole career we have on our apparatus definitely something every year we reflect on and we made it part of out culture," said Keller.

Climbers, climbed up ten flights in the stairwells closest to the beach and the down the stairwell near Harbor Blvd 11 times.

Ventura City Fire Engineer Ryan Jameson makes it sound strenuous and bittersweet.

" It obviously honors the men that died that day, 343 firefighters lost their lives, so it is time to honor their memory and do some self-reflection, think about it, I am still willing to make that sacrifice myself, and the fun part is all your buddies are here from all over the region," said Jameson.

Volunteers said it is the least they can do to remember and reflect and fundraiser

"I was actually working in Los Angeles for city goverment, I remember when it happened we went into emergency most because we thought we would be an emergency shelter for LAX that was predicted to be the next target. There are so many people who have died since then from cancer, suicide, tragedy so the 9/11 stair climb not only represents those who passed from 9/11 but also some of our first responders locally and within California in the line of duty," said Christine Nackers.

For many young people it is a learning experience, for others old enough to remember it is a time to recall where they were on 9/11, a quarter century ago.

For more information visit https://www.venturafirehonorguard.org/memorialstairclimb.