The Climb

​Last week in preparation of the 9/11 Memorial I shared the story of my son, Jeff, participating in a
Re-enactment of the rescue effort at the World Trade Center.  Jeff and his friend Lee trained together for months and were “buddies for the climb”.  The climb took place at the Renaissance Building in downtown Dallas.  Thousands of firefighters and police made the climb. 
 
Firefighters wear 70 pounds of gear, just like the FDNY personnel wore on 9/11.  The 110 story climb began at the same time as tower one began to collapse fifteen years ago.  When registering for the climb each participant was given an envelope with a picture of the person who lost their life that day.  Jeff and Lee climbed for FDNY firefighter Michael Ragusa from Engine 279. 
 
This event is close to the heart and soul of every firefighter and making the climb for one of their comrades dramatically increases the personal commitment to complete the climb.  Throughout the day Jeff texted me updates and images of his experience.  The climb up took him an hour and he said the last 30 flights were grueling, the most challenging he has ever had.  This from a man who puts out fires on jet fighters.
 
I’ve included two images to share.  The first is Jeff and Lee walking down the last flight.  As a father I saw the exhaustion on Jeff’s face.  Lee is looking back over his left shoulder making sure Jeff is on track with him.  The second image shows two comrades arm in arm after they hydrated and had the strength to smile again.
 
I don’t intend to use a biased expression but among firefighters there is a special brotherhood, a bond, which is difficult to comprehend if not a firefighter.  I am unabashedly proud of Jeff and Lee.  Not only do they demonstrate for us how to “Not Forget” they show us how to honor those who died and how we persevere and deny terrorist victory.
 
For images from the event, go to:
 
http://www.dallasstairclimb.com/



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