Three firefighters from Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service have taken part in a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. They joined hundreds of other crews from across the UK and United States to remember those who lost their lives in the attack on the World Trade Centre 25 years ago.
Freddie Martin ( Bodmin and Perranporth ), Brett Baker (Bodmin) and Luke Livingstone ( Newquay and St Austell ) completed a 110-floor climb at Truist Park in full structural firefighting kit. Each carried the name and photograph of one of the 343 New York City firefighters who died responding to the attacks on the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. The climb involved more than 2,000 steps and represented the 110 flights of stairs that New York firefighters climbed inside the towers that day.
This year's event marks the 25th anniversary of the attacks. The three Cornwall firefighters are among 234 firefighters from 48 UK fire and rescue services travelling to Atlanta to take part. The British contingent was invited by the American organisers to lead the climb and carry a piece of steel from the Twin Towers during the opening ceremony.
The Terry Farrell Patriot Day Memorial Stair Climb has a 25-year history and is held at Truist Park in Atlanta. It is hosted by the Atlanta Braves Foundation in collaboration with The Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund of Georgia and the Georgia Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society. The event was held yesterday (Saturday September 5) and is named in honour of FDNY firefighter Terry Farrell of Rescue 4, who was among the 343 firefighters killed on 9/11. Proceeds from the American event support first responders in need and their families across Georgia.
Freddie Martin, from Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Taking part in this memorial stair climb is a tremendous honour for the three of us representing Cornwall. It’s a chance to stand shoulder to shoulder with firefighters from across the UK, the United States and around the world as we pay tribute to the 343 FDNY firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11.
"The climb itself – 110 floors – is a demanding physical challenge, but its true meaning is remembrance. Every step is taken in recognition of the courage, sacrifice and service shown by those firefighters and by all who responded that day.
"We are incredibly proud to have Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service represented at such a significant event, especially in this 25th anniversary year. We have all funded the trip ourselves, and we are deeply grateful to our Chief Fire Officer for supporting us in taking part."
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Cornwall Firefighters Join US 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb