The Grand Junction Police Department and Grand Junction Fire Department, joined by city members and their loved ones, gathered at Stocker Stadium for their sixth annual 9/11 stair climb. The event served to honor the lives lost during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, an annual tradition that reinforces a commitment to remembrance within the Grand Valley community.
Grand Junction Chief of Police Matt Smith stated the departments have organized the climb "for the last six years to honor all of those who died during those incidents." He emphasized that the event provides "a good way for us to get together and remember so that we never forget what happened on Sept 11."
The terrorist attacks, which occurred "Twenty-five years ago," involved hijackers taking control of several planes. These planes were deliberately crashed into both towers of the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Passengers on a fourth plane bravely confronted the hijackers, leading to that aircraft's crash in Pennsylvania.
Among those participating was Deputy Fire Chief Sean Brooks of the Grand Junction Fire Department, who has a direct connection to the events of 9/11. Brooks began his career in 2000 in Washington, D.C., and a year later, in 2001, he responded to the attacks at the Pentagon. He was part of the "second alarm" response, working throughout the day to extinguish fires at the site. Brooks underscored the importance of the remembrance, stating that there is both risk and benefit in the work emergency services do to save others.
The stair climb holds particular significance for fire service personnel, recalling the 343 firefighters and other first responders who tragically lost their lives that day. These individuals climbed the stairs of the World Trade Center, driven by the responsibility to help strangers. Chief Smith reiterated this profound sacrifice, explaining that it is important to remember their sacrifice because they rushed in to help people, reflecting what police officers and firefighters do across the country.
The annual stair climb was first planned by the Grand Junction Wellness Committee six years ago and has seen increased participation each year since its inception. The event involved participants completing seven laps, with an alternative option for individuals to walk five laps on the track.
A poignant aspect of the remembrance involved each person wearing a lanyard around their neck, with each lanyard dedicated to an individual who perished on September 11. Following the completion of the climb, these lanyards were collectively tied to ladders positioned in the middle of the field at Stocker Stadium, a symbolic gesture representing the Twin Towers.
Alexandra Ogle, lead evidence technician for the Grand Junction Police Department, expressed the deep personal meaning of the event. A former New Yorker who was a freshman in college when the attacks occurred, Ogle shared that the climb is very heartwarming and moving, a reminder that the sacrifices have not been forgotten. She added that the annual remembrance brings back many memories and holds significant importance to her.
Deputy Chief Brooks acknowledged the collaborative spirit of the event, stating he was very pleased to see the cooperation among the police department, fire department, family members, and members of the public who came to honor the fallen.
Officials present at the event emphasized that remembering and honoring these heroes is crucial because, even as time passes, their heroism remains undiminished. Ogle conveyed a message for the wider community, urging them to remember that these individuals ran into chaos instead of away from it, doing what they were sworn to do to save lives and ultimately making the ultimate sacrifice of their own. The annual event serves as a local testament to this enduring heroism and sacrifice.
