Central Florida firefighters mark 9/11 with stair climb
ORLANDO, Fla. - Firefighters from across Central Florida gathered Sunday morning to honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, 21 years ago.
Crews from agencies like Orlando Fire and Orange County Fire gathered at the City National Bank building in downtown Orlando to climb 110 stories, making four rounds up and down the building.
"Trying to pay our respects simulating what those firefighters went through before they died on 9/11," said Lt. Bassel Ibrahim.
Lt. Ibrahim with the Orlando Fire Department said the event has grown in the last decade.
"Initially started with just a group of firefighters and now developed we have firefighters from all over the state," he said.
Chief Charlie Salazar climbed alongside his crews. He said it’s about honoring the lives lost and showing the courage in the profession.
"When there were lives on the line, that’s what firefighters do; they put their lives on the line," he said.