"Never Forget": Community Climbs Stairs with First Responders on 9/11

Honoring Heroes: A Stair Climb in Grand Junction

On September 7, the community of Grand Junction, Colorado, came together to pay tribute to the lives lost on September 11, 2001, with their 5th Annual Honoring Heroes Stair Climb at Stocker Stadium. This event, organized by the Grand Junction Police Department (GJPD) and the Grand Junction Fire Department (GJFD), brought first responders and local residents together to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The stair climb is more than just a physical challenge; it's a powerful symbol of remembrance and unity. Participants, including firefighters, police officers, SWAT teams, and members of the community, climbed the stadium stairs seven times or walked five laps around the track—equivalent to 110 stories. Each participant wore a lanyard featuring the name and photo of someone who lost their life on 9/11, carrying their memory step by step through the climb.

The Inspiration Behind the Event

Meghan DeHaan, a Civilian Investigator at GJPD, shared the origin of the idea. “We had the idea from the annual stair climb in New York City. My husband attended, and we got a lanyard of a hero, and we got to keep that. We came back with our wellness committee and really stirred up the idea. A joint effort between the fire department and us to really give our heroes, our local heroes, an opportunity to honor just the same.”

Beyond the physical act of climbing, organizers emphasized the importance of reflection. “Remembrance, a moment of silence for those heroes that day, appreciation, and some perspective and reflection. We can do hard things because we’re alive and well enough to do them, and they cannot; their families are hurting. So, just some perspective and honor,” said DeHaan.

A Community Effort

Nearly 100 first responders participated in the event, alongside many more community members. Each step taken was not just for themselves but also for the memory of the person whose name and photo were carried on their lanyard. Many participants noted that the physical challenge paled in comparison to what firefighters faced on 9/11.

Justin Trejo, a Corporal with GJPD, highlighted the significance of the climb. “The stair climb is super important, and that’s because that’s what those guys had to sacrifice to do, to be able to get to those floors. So, this is a huge part of that and just a way to honor them.”

For firefighters, the event serves as a reminder of the risks inherent in their profession and the privilege of serving their communities. Bryson Rasmussen, a Training Officer at GJFD, reflected on the sacrifices made. “They paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us, and it’s important to remember them as we never know when it’s going to be our last shift. It’s a good reminder to not take anything for granted. We’re super privileged to have this job, we love this job, and a lot of what makes this job so great is those that came before us. So, remembering them for their sacrifice and their family’s sacrifice and paying respects to them, thanking them for what they made this job today.”

A Promise to Never Forget

Participants described the climb as a meaningful way to honor the past and reflect on the present. While the physical challenge was demanding, many agreed it was nothing compared to the sacrifices made on September 11th. For them, each step and every name around their neck was a promise to never forget.

DeHaan echoed this sentiment. “Just never forget,” she said.

Organizers hope to continue the annual stair climb for years to come, both as a tribute to those lost and as a teaching moment for future generations. The event stands as a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and unity that define the community.