9/11 Memorial Stairclimb - Binghamton
9/11 Memorial Stairclimb - Binghamton
Presented by Chris Mallery - Binghamton Fire Department
Binghamton, NY
Video by Confluence Running
Pictures by Confluence Running
September 17th, 2018 – (Binghamton, NY) Firefighters and community members from across the Northeast gathered in Government Plaza in Binghamton, NY to participate in the 9/11 Memorial Stairclimb. Firefighters and supporters climbed the Binghamton State Office Building 7+ times to simulate the 110 flights of stairs in the World Trade Center towers.
While inside, Firefighters wore their full 80+ lb packs and gear. Participants took turns carrying a fire-hose that showcased all 343 Firefighters who lost their lives in the New York City terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001. Additionally, every participant carried a firefighters name tag to climb in honor of one of the fallen victims. Before entering the State Building, each participant read the name of the fallen Firefighter from their tag and rang the "Last Alarm" bell before they began their climb.
Brian Haas of Union Center Fire Company stated, "We're here today to remember the 343 firefighter deaths the day of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the deaths that continue to rise due to sickness and cancer... It's great comradery and a great way to remember those that we've lost... Everyone's got everyone's back. We're all there for one another."
"We climb to remember, not just those 343 [Firefighters], but everyone who lost their lives...and...those who are still dealing with the effects," said organizer Chris Mallery of Binghamton Fire Department. The mission of the Memorial Stairclimb in Binghamton is remembrance. "Everybody...has busy lives. It's easy to forget things, and this is not something to forget and we want to make sure that people don't forget. And that's why we do it every year, so that people don't forget."
The Binghamton Memorial Stairclimb had participants from across the Southern Tier and many from within Broome County. Fire Departments were represented from as far as New Jersey. There were participants from Cuba, Hornell, and Circleville, Orange County, New York.
Event support for this event graciously came from Paul Davis, Inc.
Matthew Francis Gawors is a lifelong endurance athlete. He specialized in the 800m in High School and switched to marathons in college. In 2009, he switched over to competing primarily in Triathlons. His passion and goal is to support the Binghamton community by improving their physical, emotional, and financial health through physical fitness events and tourism. He owns the running special store, Confluence Running, has worked as the Director of Parks, Recreation, and Youth Services for Broome County, and currently is employed by Binghamton University as the Aquatics Director for Health and Wellness Studies.
Email: ConfluenceRunning@gmail.com
Mailing Address:
Confluence Running
46 S Washington St
Binghamton, NY 13905
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