Rising early Saturday morning, young men from the Blue Heart Foundation set out to volunteer at a stair climb held to honor firefighters, police and other emergency personnel killed in the collapse of the World Trade Center towers on Sept. 11, 2001. The San Diego Firefighter 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb challenged 
firefighters, police, military personnel and civilians to ascend 110 stories at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel. It began at 7 a.m.
Each year, approximately 100 firefighters die while serving their communities. Many more die from cancer, heart disease, neurological disorders, stroke, and other injuries and illnesses suffered as a result of their service. But we worked together to honor these sacrifices and care for the firefighters who assume these risks and the families who share them.
Each volunteer assisted by helping with setup, passing out water and then taking the trek up the stairs to challenge
themselves as well as pay homage to those that paid the ultimate price that day. We climbed in the memory, and honor of the 343 FDNY Brothers, 23 NYPD Brothers and Sisters, and 37 Port Authority Brothers and Sisters, and to raise awareness of the sacrifices made by firefighters everywhere.
Each climber received a badge and photo representing one of the 403 firefighters, police officers, Port Authority officers and emergency medical personnel who died in the terrorist attacks. “This event brings tears to your eyes, makes you proud to be an American and gives you a great workout all at once,” said Carlyle Wund of Firefighter Aid, which is organizing the climb. “It unites firefighters and the general public in the spirit of support and remembrance.”
Funds raised benefited FirefighterAid (formerly the San Diego Firefighters’ Benevolent Fund,) the 501(c)(3) charity which cares for Firefighters and families through sickness, distress, and death.
