FDNY members participate in 4th Annual FDNY Foundation Climb to SUMMIT

April 20, 2026

FDNY members proudly took part in the 4th Annual Climb to SUMMIT at One Vanderbilt in Manhattan on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

The event is put on by the FDNY Foundation, the Department's official nonprofit organization, in partnership with SL Green Realty Corp. This year's event featured 22 teams from the FDNY to take on the challenge of racing up 93 stories-more than 1,100 feet-to the top of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt.

Among the climbers were firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, officers, and staff chiefs from the Department. Additionally, there were participants from 15 states and 5 countries.

This year's stair climb holds special meaning, as the Department recognizes the 25th anniversary of the attacks on September 11, 2001.

"Twenty-five years ago, steps in the World Trade Cetner were the difference between life and death," FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said. "Stair climbing is one of the things the FDNY does most, and in the worst possible times, the steps can be your pathway to safety."

To celebrate the achievements of FDNY members, the top 20 teams from the Department will receive a stair climber for their respective firehouse or EMS station.

More than 300 climbers participated in the event, which raised more than $350,000 for the FDNY Foundation-an event record.

"The FDNY Foundation is one of the most important institutions in our presence. Every single day, they support the Fire Department," Commissioner Bonsignore said. "As we know, this is a fundraiser, and those funds are going to go to good use to help prepare our firefighters and EMS members to continue doing their lifesaving work."

Learn more at FDNYFoundation.org.