Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company, announced that its seventh annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, in partnership with the Green Bay Metro Fire Department, raised over $115,000 with all proceeds directly benefitting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF).
Nearly 2,200 members of the fire service, their families, friends, and community members climbed the steps of historic Lambeau Field on Saturday, September 7th to pay tribute to the 343 FDNY firefighters who selflessly gave their lives on 9/11.
Sharing NFFF’s Mission
“The events of September 11, 2001 motivated me, and many others in my profession, to become firefighters and serve our communities,” said Lieutenant Shauna Walesh, Firefighter with the Green Bay Metro Fire Department.
“Over the past seven years, it has been an honor to help build awareness and share the mission of the NFFF, as well as climb alongside so many individuals and teams who come together to show they will never forget.”
Firefighting risks
The dedicated participants of the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Lambeau Field ascended 110 stories, the height of World Trade Center Towers. Each climber wore a badge with the name and photograph of one of the fallen firefighters.
At Pierce, we’re committed to supporting the fire service beyond the apparatus"
At the equivalent of the 78th floor, the highest floor reached by a firefighter on 9/11, participants stated the name of the individual on their badge and rang a fire bell in their honor.
“It’s important to recognize that no community or fire department is invulnerable to the inherent risks firefighters face each day” said Jim Johnson, President of Pierce Manufacturing.
Assisting Fallen firefighters' families
“The work of the NFFF is critically important, and it is an honor to partner with the Green Bay Metro Fire Department each year for a day of remembrance. At Pierce, we’re committed to supporting the fire service beyond the apparatus, and the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is just one way we can help maintain programs that support fire service survivors.”
The NFFF honors and remembers America’s fallen firefighters by providing resources to assist their families in rebuilding their lives. The organization also works within the fire service community to reduce firefighter deaths and injuries.
Through support networks, conferences, workshops and scholarships, the NFFF has led a nationwide effort to develop and expand programming for the entire fire service community.
