IDAHO FALLS — The Police Department is partnering with Anheuser-Busch for the fourth annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at the Idaho Falls Malting Facility Sept. 1 through Sept. 11.
First responders from across Eastern Idaho are welcome to honor the police officers, firefighters and other first responders who climbed the stairs of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001.
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, as well as all those who died when the towers fell, said Jessica Clements, Idaho Falls Police spokeswoman.
The World Trade Center’s Twin Towers each consisted of 110 floors and 2,071 steps. To replicate that climb at the malting facility, participants will climb the malt house stairs 7.6 times up and down.
Police officers, firefighters and Anheuser-Busch employees participate in the climb each year to pay their respects and remember the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The Idaho Falls Malt House stairs will be open around the clock through midnight on Sept. 11. First responders can participate at any time that is convenient for them and can climb multiple times. The stairs are not open to the general public. First responders who need information about how to participate in the climb can contact Clements at jclements@idahofalls.gov.
Last year’s participants included first responders from Idaho Falls Fire, the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, the Idaho State Police, Blackfoot Fire, and even some first responders visiting the area from out of state, who were looking for a local climb in which to participate.
Members of the Idaho Falls Police Department who participated in the climb last year included the honor guard, patrol shifts, bomb squad, emergency communications officers, detectives, SWAT, command staff, and professional staff among others, Clements said. Many climbed in uniform or wearing specialty equipment, such as honor guard uniforms or bomb squad protective equipment. Many returned to the stairs multiple times throughout the 11 days of the event.
While the stair climb is limited to first responders, members of the public, businesses and organizations can show their support by making a donation in honor of the climb.
Five local charities have been identified as organizations that benefit first responders and support first responder missions in our community:
• Chaplains of Idaho
• Greater Idaho Falls Police Foundation
• Heroes Defense
• Idaho Falls Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 6 – Officer Wellness Fund
• Tunnels to Towers
Tunnels to Towers is a national organization that has a long standing relationship with Anheuser-Busch. They have also supported first responders in Eastern Idaho through their programs.
Donations can be made directly to the organizations and can be logged as part of the effort at tinyurl.com/4k7j7kpt.
The Idaho Falls Police Department encourages first responders throughout Eastern Idaho to participate in the memorial climb, Clements said.
IFPD also invites the community to join in honoring those who gave their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, by supporting the organizations that continue to support local first responders, attending events this weekend organized by Heroes Defense, visiting local 9/11 memorials at Idaho Falls Fire Station 1 or Bonneville County Fire District 1 or in whatever way is meaningful to them.