Albuquerque fire personnel once again gathered at the Albuquerque Civic Plaza on Monday to complete their annual stair‑climb, a solemn tribute to the 343 firefighters who gave their lives during the September 11, 2001 attacks. The event, now a fixture in the city’s remembrance calendar, underscores the deep sense of family and sacrifice that defines the local fire service.
Origins of a heartfelt tradition
The stair‑climb began in 2003 when then‑Lieutenant Chuck Cogburn, then deployed in Afghanistan, climbed a two‑story building 55 times while wearing full gear. He did so to honor the fallen heroes of the World Trade Center. Upon returning home, Cogburn introduced the climb to Albuquerque in 2004, launching the first such tribute in the United States.
Firefighters climb 110 flights in full gear
Participants this year, led by Lieutenant Calvin Lang, shouldered roughly 75 pounds of protective equipment and ascended 110 flights of stairs. “We do this every year because it’s important to remember our past,” Lang said. “It’s important to remember our history, where we came from, and the firefighters who have sacrificed to get us where we are and to remind us of our culture.”
Lang added, “We’re a family. When we lose anyone, it’s like losing a member of our family. Those guys went in with no hesitation, no thought. They just went and made the sacrifice.” The climb serves as a physical reminder of the endurance and courage required of firefighters, both then and today.
Memorial ceremony unites past and present
Following the climb, the firefighters marched to a memorial ceremony at Civic Plaza. Some wore photographs of fallen colleagues on their helmets; others held their children, symbolizing the continuity of service across generations. The ceremony featured black‑and‑white photos and personal stories, reinforcing the community’s commitment to never forget.
Among the speakers, Lynette Rodriguez recounted the story of her father, Anthony Rodriguez, a New York firefighter who died on 9/11. “When you look at my dad’s career, there’s a pretty clear pattern. He spent his life serving other people,” she said. Anthony Rodriguez had just finished his shift when the towers were struck, and instead of heading home, he leapt onto the back of an engine to respond. He never returned, leaving behind a pregnant wife who gave birth to their sixth child three days later.
Rio Rancho holds parallel remembrance
Later that evening, residents of neighboring Rio Rancho gathered at Vista Verde Memorial Park for a second ceremony, honoring the nearly 3,000 lives lost on that fateful day. The dual events highlighted the broader regional commitment to remembering the sacrifices made on September 11.
Both ceremonies emphasized the values that bind the fire service and the community: faith in one another, dedication to family, and a steadfast belief in individual liberty. By physically climbing the stairs and sharing personal testimonies, Albuquerque’s firefighters demonstrate how local traditions can keep national tragedies in perspective while reinforcing the moral fabric of the city.
Looking forward
As the city moves forward, the annual stair‑climb remains a powerful reminder that the spirit of service endures. Firefighters say the event not only honors the past but also inspires them to uphold the same courage and self‑lessness in their daily duties, ensuring that the legacy of the 9/11 heroes lives on in Albuquerque’s streets and hearts.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
