Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Schuylkill County First Responders Climb 110 Stories to Remember Fallen 9/11 Firefighters

On a solemn Sunday morning, Schuylkill County Firefighters paid tribute to the heroes of 9/11 by participating in the 14th annual Lancaster 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. 


The event took place at Clipper Stadium, the home of the Lancaster Barnstormers, bringing together first responders from across several states to remember the fallen and support their families.

Participants in this meaningful event took on the daunting challenge of climbing the equivalent of 110 stories, all while carrying a picture badge of one of the brave FDNY firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice on that fateful day in 2001. The Stair Climb serve a noble purpose, as they raise funds for programs provided by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). These programs offer vital support to the families of local firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as the FDNY Counseling Services Unit.

Schuylkill County was well-represented in this moving tribute, with volunteer firefighters:
  • Christina Noaker and Ian Mistishen from the Ryan township Emergency Rescue Squad
  • Grady Strubhar and Lee Strubhar from Pine Grove's North End
  • Jim Dellock, Jim Bechtel, and Joan Ford from the Altamont Fire Company
  • Devin Dellock from the Tamaqua Police
These dedicated members of the fire service stood alongside hundreds of other first responders from Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, and Virginia.

The Lancaster 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is more than just a physical challenge; it's a heartfelt demonstration of solidarity and remembrance, ensuring that the sacrifices of those brave firefighters on 9/11 are never forgotten.

** Editor's Note:  The firefighters listed in this story are those were made aware of.  If others from Schuylkill County took part, please let us know by emailing us at skooknews@outlook.com.

Photos by Don Scicchitano / D. Scicchitano Photography