North Yorkshire firefighters climb 110 floors in Atlanta heat to honour 9/11 heroes
Nine incredible North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (NYFRS) firefighters took on the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund Memorial Stair Climb in Atlanta, Georgia.
On Saturday, September 5, the North Yorkshire team climbed 110 floors in full fire kit with temperatures exceeding 38°C to honour the 343 FDNY firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001.
Joining more than 1,200 firefighters from around the world, including 243 from the UK, the team climbed the equivalent of the World Trade Center's 110 floors in honour of the firefighters who lost their lives while responding to the terrorist attacks.
The climb took place within the Atlanta Braves Baseball stadium and each firefighter carried the photograph of a firefighter who went to work that day and never returned home. The nine North Yorkshire firefighters who completed the challenge were Station Manager Mike Sutcliffe, Watch Manager Daz Smith, Crew Manager Steve Simpson, Firefighters Ash Davis, Toni Wooff Pepe, Josh Beagle, Dom Wood, Rik Duckworth and Tim Weller.
Station Manager Mike Sutcliffe, who took part in the climb, said: “This Stair Climb event was about far more than a physical challenge.
"It was an opportunity to remember the courage and sacrifice of the 343 firefighters who died on 9/11 and to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our American colleagues in their honour.
"The support shown to our team was overwhelming, and we were proud to represent North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. The event reminded us that, wherever we serve, the firefighting community is one family.”
Chief Fire Officer Jonathan Dyson said: “Taking part in the Memorial Stair Climb was both a physical and emotional challenge for our firefighters.
"As well as honouring the memory of the 343 FDNY firefighters who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, the event is a reminder of the courage, selflessness and dedication that firefighters demonstrate every day in service to their communities.
"We are hugely proud of the team for representing North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service with such professionalism and humility.
"Their achievement reflects the very best of our Service and has also helped raise vital funds for charities that continue to support firefighters and their families.”
During their visit, the team also had the opportunity to tour fire stations across Atlanta and visit the city's fire department training facility.
The challenge has also raised money for three charities: The Fire Fighters Charity, the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund and the Blue Light Card Foundation. Donations are still welcome via the team's JustGiving page.