There are some moments in this life that are about a collective cause. A sense of togetherness, solidarity, humbleness, unity, the list could go on and on.
On Sept. 7, in the world-renowned Lambeau Field, those emotions overtook the entire stadium as the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) hosted their 12th annual stair climb in remembrance of the events that took place on 9/11.
Firefighters — retired and current — police officers, pilots, military personnel, and locals filled the parking lot in anticipation to climb the equivalent of 110 floors, representing how tall the World Trade Center was.
More than 2,300 climbers participated in the event. Thus far, the Pierce Manufacturing-sponsored event raised nearly $140,000 through more than 750 donations from individuals and the 174 separate teams.
The path goes up and down the stairs in the bowl of the Packers' football stadium. Those climbers all had on a badge honoring one of the 343 FDNY firefighters that died on that tragic day. Climbers were encouraged to shout the name on their badge while they rung the bell as they reached the equivalent of the 78th floor, the highest a firefighter was able to reach that day.
The idea behind the badge is not only remembrance and honor, but it allows the climbers to finish the climb that the first responders could not back in 2001. The climbers go in waves of 343, and the bowl slowly fills up with participants.
The opening ceremony included words of encouragement from Bob Schulz, president of Pierce, Green Bay Metro Fire Chief Matthew Knott, and NFFF CEO Victor Stagnaro.
Stagnaro recalled when Pierce came to a stair climb over a decade ago mentioning how moved they were by the event, and how they needed to come to Green Bay for a stair climb.
“It's extraordinarily humbling to see more than 2,200 people come out to remember what happened on that fateful day, and to support the families and support the FDNY. It becomes a very moving experience,” said Stagnaro.
Pierce had multiple representatives speak on behalf of the company, and had countles volunteers help out with the event. Pierce's President Bob Schulz spoke in the opening ceremony, and referred to how much this event means to everyone that is a part of it.
"It’s both an honor and a privilege for Pierce to be a small part of the fire service, and we’re incredibly proud to continue growing this event in support of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the brave men and women who serve our communities. This year was the 12th annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Lambeau Field, and each year is as meaningful as the next as we pay tribute to the 343 firefighters who selflessly put others ahead of themselves on 9/11. We deeply appreciate the support of our partners, volunteers, and the nearly 2,500 climbers who made this event a success. Their dedication ensures that we never forget the sacrifices made," said Schulz.
Stagnaro emphasized how this event is pivotal in the learning experience. With the tragedy of the Sept. 11 attacks happening over two decades ago, it’s natural that those growing up may or may not know what happened that day. With Lambeau Field hosting one of the two biggest stair climbs in the U.S., it helps those that may not know the full extent of what happened become more knowledge about unforgettable day.
“A lot of the people that are climbing here were either very young or not born yet. So, it's a big educational component of what we do,” Stagnaro told Firehouse.
The NFFF works with the Green Bay Metro Fire Department to host the stair climb, and Lt. Shauna Walesh has been helping with the event since she started with the department eleven years ago. Walesh shared her perspective on a climb that she did nine years ago in full turnout gear.
“It's emotional. It's a tiring event. It's hard on your legs, but I think that moment that you ring the bell, you forget about all that, and it really brings you back to why you're here. There's a neat purpose behind this and it's an awesome tribute. It hopefully gives back to those that have lost loved ones back on that terrible day,” said Walesh.
She has been with the event since the near conception of it and loves to see the continual growth.
“When I first started doing this climb, it used to be just a few sections. Over the past couple years, they've opened it up to the full bowl. So, it is very awesome to see the whole entire stadium full of climbers. They've also added the spectator section, so it's neat for those people that really just want to take in the moment, but also kind of have a cheering section for people as they're making their way towards the end of the climb,” said Walesh.
Green Bay Metro Fire Department helps market the event, in addition to the logistical matters.
Chad Miller, who works at Pierce and is a member of Greenville, WI, Fire and Rescue helps with getting trucks to Lambeau Field, as well as monitoring the climb to ensure the safety of the participants.
“My thing is that, I believe, that it's that 'never forget. Everybody is always remembering that. We've made that commitment to the 343 fallen firefighters that we will never forget. You can continue to see that growth every year, and that commitment to the those fallen firefighters,” said Miller.
He also said that the NFFF has done wonders for the stair climb, and their help has been inconceivable.
The top fundraising department was Menominee-Ingallston Fire Department from Delta County, MI, and they have raised over $3,000 so far, wire more donations expected.
The top fundraising team was a couple from Mountain, WI, John and Donna Kneely. They raised more than $5,000, in honor of Lt. Kevin W. Donnelly, a firefighter from Ladder 3 who perished in the North Tower. The Kneely’s have a unique connection to Donnelly - they had a short interaction with Donnelly as they were making their way down from the World Trade Center's North Tower on Sept. 11.
The top individual fundraiser was from a first-time climber, Hal Bryan. He has raised over $3,000 from his network around the world, and didn’t even think he was physically capable of doing the climb six months ago. Bryan went on a weight-loss journey and has lost over 70 pounds in six months.
“There's a level of pride, but it's a quiet, humble pride. I certainly hope that's what I'm expressing. It’s exciting to be here and an overwhelming sense of gratitude on so many levels, beginning with those who lost their lives back on Sept. 11, 2001,” said Bryan.
Bryan honored Joseph Rivelli Jr., and was surprised when he read Rivelli’s biography, finding similarities between him and the fallen firefighter.
“At the end of the day, it's not about me. I found out Rivelli and I had some interesting things in common. I'm a lifelong pilot. (Rivelli) was learning to fly and was just about finished when he died," Bryan said. "We both have backgrounds in technology...I think I would have been friends with this guy, had I had been lucky enough to meet him. That resonated with me, that little slice of coincidence,” said Bryan.
It hits home for most, if not everyone in the stadium. Whether it’s a personal connection, coincidences like Bryan found, or just remembering a historic and tragic event. Everyone was in unison for a common goal, a common honor.
