Reservists commemorate 9/11 anniversary with fire climb

  • Published
  • By 507th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  This year marks the 14th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, and firefighters from the 507th Civil Engineer Squadron honored the fallen with their 6th annual fire climb Sept. 13 to remember the victims and heroes who perished that day.

Several members donned firefighter gear and traded packs of equipment as they climbed up and down the fire training tower at the end of Reserve Road. They carried hatchets, oxygen tanks, fire hoses and the U.S. flag. Emergency medical technicians kept time to ensure the firefighters participating could complete the 18 laps within 56 minutes, the amount of time it took the South Tower of the World Trade Center to collapse after it was struck by an airliner.

The fire climb is a way to pay proper respect to the heroes of the day and the victims. Not only was there silence, prayer and reflection but each member was able to get a glimpse of what it was like on that day to climb those stairs while  attempting to get help to those that needed it. According to the event planners, the event will continue for years to come in the 507th Air Refueling Wing.