More than 100 firefighters gathered in Lake Forest, California, to take part in the fourth annual StairMaster 9/11 Memorial Climb to honor the 343 responders who gave their lives on September 11, 2001.
Taking place on the plaza at Core Health & Fitness HQ, the event opened with a moving bagpipe rendition of Amazing Grace, followed by remembrance speeches by Kevin Welsh and Nole Lilly, founders of the Fire Up Program, as well as Jeff Dilts, VP of Product and Marketing for Core Health & Fitness.
Climbing floors of the World Trade Center
Firefighters from departments across Orange and LA Counties in California, many carrying a full complement of emergency response equipment, came together to climb the equivalent of 110 floors, replicating the journey to the top of the Twin Towers Trade Center that so many emergency responders faced on September 11, 2001.
Each of the firefighters taking part wore a Myzone MZ-Switch, with heart rates and Myzone Effort Points (MEPs) displayed publicly to highlight to those watching, the effort required to make the journey to the top of the World Trade Center.
Remembering those who lost their lives
“This is an annual event that resets our priorities, and prompts us to remember those who sacrificed their lives on that awful day,” explains Terry Woods, VP Sales – Americas at Myzone.
“During the set up for this event, I reflect back on those firefighters on that fateful day, who, in the morning were simply going about their day-to-day business with no idea what was about to happen.
“Yet, when tragedy hit, they sprinted into action, many of them knowing exactly what their fate would be. It is because of heroes like this, we feel very honored to take part in this event.”
Community together, celebrating strength
Each firefighter taking part carried a card representing a firefighter who lost their life on the day of the international tragedy. As their name was called out, a large bell was rung to commemorate their life and the sacrifice they made.
“While this was a sombre event, it was also an opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate the incredible strength of the human spirit and I am immensely proud to be involved,” Terry continues.
Taking part alongside the service men and women taking part were Jeff Dilts, Vice President of Global Marketing and Product Innovation at Core Health & Fitness accompanied by members of the Marketing, Product, Education, and Engineering departments.
Support the charities making the difference
“While the Memorial Climb is our way to remember, respect and honor the brave responders who serve us every day, the event also raises vital funds for several amazing charities including: The Fire Up Program, Next Rung and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF),” adds Bryan O’Rourke, CEO Core Health & Fitness.
“Core Health & Fitness is immensely proud to support such a worthy initiative.”
Please consider donating to The Fire Up Program, Next Rung, and/or the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF).
These organizations support the mental health and wellbeing of first responders, while NFFF support families of firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
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