Volusia County Firefighters Honor Fallen Heroes with 9/11 Stair Climb

Posted On: September 11, 2026

Volusia County firefighters came together this morning to honor the 343 firefighters who lost their lives while responding to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Firefighters, employees, and supporters participated in a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Volusia County Fire Rescue's Training Drill Tower, climbing the equivalent of 110 stories, the same number of stories in each of the World Trade Center's Twin Towers. The climb paid tribute to the firefighters who entered the towers and climbed toward danger as thousands of people worked their way to safety.

By repeatedly ascending the drill tower, participants symbolically retraced the journey of the firefighters who ascended the towers that morning. The climb served as both a physical tribute and an opportunity to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and commitment to service demonstrated by first responders on that fateful day.

This year's observance carries added significance as the nation marks 25 years since the attacks. For the fire service, the passage of time has not diminished the commitment to remembering the firefighters who died that day, along with the families, colleagues and communities forever affected by their loss.

That commitment to courage, duty and service continues each day through firefighters who stand ready to serve their communities when they are needed most. Through traditions such as the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, Volusia County Fire Rescue continues to honor the legacy of the 343 and carry forward the spirit of service they embodied.