Team RBNY-18 to Make the Climb for Year 10

Team RBNY-18 is taking it step by step to make sure 9/11 is never forgotten. On Sunday, October 19, nearly 35 locals have teamed up to make the climb at Icahn Stadium on Randalls Island as part of the National Stair Climb in honor of those who died on 9/11, especially firefighters.

Every year, thousands ascend upon a local venue to climb 2,200 steps, symbolizing the 110 stories of the World Trade Center Towers, the same climb FDNY firefighters made on September 11, 2001, in which 343 firefighters gave the ultimate sacrifice. To honor that climb, each year the National Stair Climb is held to pay tribute to the fallen and to raise funds for those who continue to struggle with 9/11 related illnesses. Money raised goes toward the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) to support the families of local fallen firefighters and the FDNY Counseling Services Unit. All participants receive an honorary badge of one of the fallen heroes of September 11 to wear as they make the climb. The climb is open to all, but some firefighters choose to do it in full gear.

Led by Jen Fabry, Team RBNY-18, named for the 18 firefighters lost from Rockaway to Breezy Point on 9/11, is making the climb for their 10th year in a row. And they currently serve as the top fundraising team for the NY event, raising more than $6,000 of their $10,000 goal. Team member Terrie Macklin is leading the fundraising charge at $1,041, mostly by running 50/50 grids over the last few weeks to boost fundraising. John Burke, a local retired firefighter, is the second highest individual fundraiser, raising more than $900 for the event. Marylou Grimaldi rounds out the top three, raising more than $600. To help support Team RBNY-18, head to: https://nfff.akaraisin.com/ui/nyc25 and find Team RBNY-18 to click on their link and make a donation or join their team. Rogers Pub on Beach 116th generously hosts Team RBNY-18 as a pre- and post-climb meeting site.

According to the NFFF website, “The first stair climb held to support the mission of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation was held on September 11, 2005, when five Colorado firefighters convened at a high-rise building in downtown Denver to climb 110 flights of stairs in memory of their FDNY brothers who were killed in the terrorist attacks of 9/11. The following year, twelve firefighters participated, representing four fire departments from the metro Denver area. Each subsequent year, attendance grew, until it was capped at 343 participants in 2008.” The event has since become a nationwide movement with climbs across more than 25 states.

“The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is dedicated to remembering the courage of our firefighters who sacrificed their lives to protect our communities,” said NFFF Chief Executive Officer Victor Stagnaro. “One way we accomplish that is by hosting the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, which pays tribute to the FDNY’s firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice during one of the darkest moments in our country’s history. This event not only allows us to continue providing critical support to these heroes’ families and colleagues – but promises them that their firefighters will always be remembered.”

For those interested in joining the event in general, onsite registration begins at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday at Icahn Stadium (10 Central Road, Manhattan). The opening ceremony starts at 8:30 a.m. and the climb starts at 9:03 am., the time a plane hit the second World Trade Center tower on 9/11/2001.

With more than 40 Memorial Stair Climbs around the country, these events help support firefighters and their families nationwide. Last year, NFFF launched a new campaign called 50X25 designed to encourage local communities and fire departments to host Memorial Stair Climb events in every state in the country by the 25th anniversary of 9/11 in 2026.

Good job and good luck on Sunday, Team RBNY-18!