Why It Matters
Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, Eastern Idaho’s emergency service personnel are gathering to honor the fallen first responders of that day. The annual memorial stair climb in Idaho Falls provides a tangible way for local police, firefighters, and sheriff’s deputies to pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice displayed during one of the darkest days in American history.
This year marks the fourth iteration of the event, which has become a staple of remembrance in Bonneville County. By participating, local agencies reinforce their commitment to public safety while acknowledging the profound losses suffered by first responders nationwide.
What Happened
As reported by postregister.com, the Idaho Falls Police Department is partnering with Anheuser-Busch to host the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. The event takes place at the Idaho Falls Malting Facility, where participants ascend and descend a massive flight of stairs designed to replicate the physical challenge faced by first responders on the morning of September 11, 2001.
The climb is scheduled to run from September 1 through September 11. The malt house stairs will remain open around the clock, closing at midnight on the anniversary date. This extended timeframe allows busy emergency personnel to participate during various shifts and hours that fit their demanding schedules.
Participation is strictly limited to first responders. Unlike some public fundraising events, the stairs are not open to the general public. The restriction ensures that those who serve in law enforcement and fire suppression roles can perform the tribute in a focused environment dedicated to their profession’s history and sacrifices.
By The Numbers
- 2,071 steps: This figure represents the total number of stairs that led up the World Trade Center Twin Towers. Participants aim to replicate this count through repeated ascents and descents at the facility.
- 7.6 times: To match the 2,071-step climb, participants must go up and down the malting facility’s stairs approximately 7.6 times.
- 110 floors: The Twin Towers each contained 110 floors, highlighting the immense physical feat accomplished by first responders who climbed to upper levels on 9/11.
- 25 years: The event marks a quarter-century since the attacks, offering a moment of reflection on how long ago these events occurred and the lasting impact they have had.
- 4th annual: This is the fourth year the Idaho Falls community has hosted this specific memorial climb.
Zoom Out
Last year’s event drew a wide array of participants from across Eastern Idaho. The Idaho Falls Fire Department, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, and Idaho State Police all sent representatives. Additionally, firefighters from Blackfoot and first responders from outside the state joined the climb.
Within the Idaho Falls Police Department alone, participation spanned nearly every division. Honor guard members, patrol shifts, bomb squad technicians, emergency communications officers, detectives, SWAT team members, command staff, and professional staff all took part in last year’s tribute. This broad representation underscores how deeply the memory of 9/11 resonates across all branches of public safety.
Jessica Clements, an Idaho Falls Police spokeswoman, emphasized the purpose behind the physical exertion. “The annual climb is a way for local first responders to remember the strength, courage and sacrifice displayed by those who responded to the attacks 25 years ago,” Clements told the Post Register.
The event operates in partnership with Tunnels to Towers, a national organization dedicated to honoring first responders. While the stairs are closed to the public, community members can still support the cause. Donations collected during the event will be distributed to five identified local charities that serve veterans and emergency personnel.
What’s Next
As the anniversary approaches, Idaho Falls residents who wish to show their support for local first responders are encouraged to make donations to the designated charities. While they cannot join the climb themselves, these contributions help sustain programs that benefit those who keep the community safe.
The stair climb will conclude at midnight on September 11, bringing a formal end to this year’s tribute. The event serves as both a physical challenge and a solemn reminder of the resilience of first responders in the face of tragedy. For many participants, completing the 7.6 repetitions is more than an exercise; it is a direct connection to the heroes who climbed those same stairs twenty-five years ago.
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