Baltimore Firefighters Honor Those Killed On 9/11

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Honoring our fallen heroes. Saturday, Baltimore firefighters made a special tribute to the firefighters who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

Tracey Leong has the story.

This is the fifth year the Baltimore City Fire Department has hosted the 9/11 Memorial Climb, attracting firefighters from all over the country.

With each step, these men and women are honoring the 343 New York firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001.

"Make sure we remember every step they took," said Alex Bradley, Goodwill Fire Company.

They climb the stairs at the Hilton Baltimore five times to represent the 110 floors of the World Trade Center Towers.

"We are all here for a common cause and that common cause is to recognize the service and sacrifice of a group of people that went before us," said Baltimore City Fire Department Chief Niles Ford.

A cause that's personal to many participants.

"Our assistant chief was in Rescue Four in the city. He was lost in 9/11 so it's personal to me," said Chris Manganello, Huntington Manor Fire Department.

Each climber carries a photo of a firefighter who lost their life on 9/11, recognizing their sacrifice.

"The worst thing we can do to a family who has lost a firefighter is forget about their loved one and we need to always remember," said climb coordinator Bill Hinton.

A climb also pays tribute to all firefighters who have dedicated their lives to protecting others.

"For them, it's a calling, a vocation. It's not just a job and I think it's important for the community to respect and support those tasks that can be so dangerous," said Cathy Hedrick, the mother of a fallen firefighter.

It brings these courageous firefighters from all over the United States together.

"Shows the brotherhood and sisterhood of the fire department so it's a great feeling, a good camaraderie," said Lt. Rudolf Walter, Baltimore City Fire Department.

More than 150 civilians and firefighters participated in the memorial climb.

There are more than 40 climbs a year. For a list of additional 9/11 memorial climbs, click here.