Sarasota residents, firefighters and emergency‑medical teams are preparing for a heartfelt tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks. On Saturday, participants will meet at Nathan Benderson Park to complete a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, scaling the park’s six‑flight finish tower 17 times – a symbolic nod to the 17 years since the tragedy.
Local heroes lead the climb
Members of the Venice Fire Rescue, Sarasota County EMS and other area first‑responders plan to tackle the challenge while wearing full protective gear. “By us being able to do this we remember the firemen who did that,” said Ryan Burns of Venice Fire Rescue. “Those are true, real firemen. The New York City firemen are as cool as it gets, as tough as it gets. Getting out of bed, walking up the stairs, sweating – it’s extremely powerful.”
Community support and safety measures
Event organizers have set up hydration stations and a dedicated cooldown lounge to keep participants safe and comfortable. The climb is open to the public, but organizers ask anyone interested to pre‑register online to help manage crowd flow and ensure adequate resources.
First‑responder mental‑health focus
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center emphasized the importance of ongoing mental‑health care for those who serve on the front lines. “We want to make sure our EMS partners and county teams know this is available to them if they need it or want to talk about anything,” said Megan Batty of the medical center. Emergency Management Coordinator Jamie Billingsley added, “What they’re doing day‑to‑day is no different than 25 years ago, so they still need that level of support. It isn’t just at the scene; they carry it home, and the cumulative impact requires continued care.”
A beacon for remembrance
“The finish tower at Nathan Benderson Park is a natural beacon in the community,” said Marnie Buchsbaum, a park representative. “It’s where people come to celebrate, remember, work out, and we are proud to be part of this commemorative celebration this year.”
Community members who wish to join the free event can register through the park’s website. The stair climb not only honors those who perished on 9/11 but also shines a light on the enduring dedication of Sarasota’s first‑responders and the families that support them.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
