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Indiana Firefighters Climb 2,220 Stairs Today to Honor 9/11 Heroes
Two Rensselaer firefighters completed 37 tower rounds in full turnout gear and SCBA.
By Lena Wood · 2026-09-11T15:27:00.449Z
Rensselaer, IN – Two Indiana firefighters climbed 2,220 stairs in full turnout gear Friday, completing a demanding 9/11 memorial challenge honoring the 343 FDNY firefighters who died 25 years ago.
According to the Rensselaer Volunteer Fire Department, the firefighters completed 37 rounds of the department& 39;s five story REST Training Tower while wearing full protective equipment, including self contained breathing apparatus.
The 37 rounds totaled 2,220 stairs.
Department officials said the firefighters were not climbing for speed or recognition. Instead, each trip up the tower was intended to remember the firefighters who responded to the World Trade Center during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
As thousands of people attempted to escape the towers that morning, firefighters climbed upward to help those still inside.
Friday& 39;s challenge recreated that relentless upward climb in a local tribute marking the 25th anniversary of the attacks.
"They climbed to remember," the department said while announcing the completion of the challenge.
The Rensselaer firefighters& 39; effort joins memorial events taking place across Indiana and the country Friday as communities commemorate those killed on 9/11 and recognize the first responders who entered danger as others evacuated.
The department emphasized four numbers and messages behind Friday& 39;s tribute: 343 firefighters, 2,220 stairs, 37 rounds and one brotherhood.
Officials praised the two firefighters for completing the challenge and representing their department and community.
The department did not identify the participating firefighters in its initial post but shared images documenting the memorial climb.