Pierce Manufacturing Inc. has announced the commencement of registrations for the 11th annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. The event, co-hosted by Pierce and the Green Bay Metro Fire Department, is slated to be held at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, on Saturday, September 9, 2023.

The stair climb welcomes individuals to remember and honor the 343 firefighters who lost their lives in the tragic event of September 11, 2001. Proceeds from the event will support the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF).

Last year, the memorial stair climb at Lambeau Field saw record participation, with over 2,800 attendees which included fire service personnel, their families, friends, and community members. Together, they raised over $180,000 for the NFFF.

Chief Matthew Knott of the Green Bay Metro Fire Department noted the significance of the event: “Over two decades have passed since 9/11, but the memory of that day is still deeply ingrained in our minds. Our yearly memorial stair climb serves as a modest tribute to the firefighters who lost their lives on that fateful day,” stated Chief Matthew Knott from the Green Bay Metro Fire Department. “We’re thankful for the chance to enable individuals to acknowledge these brave souls and to generate funds for the invaluable support offered by the NFFF.”

Participants of the event will ascend Lambeau Field’s stairs, equivalent to the 110 stories of the World Trade Center towers. Each climber will carry an honor badge with the name and picture of a fallen firefighter, symbolizing their ascent on 9/11. When climbers reach the equivalent of the towers’ 78th floor, the highest point reached by the firefighters on that day, they will ring a fire bell to pay tribute to the firefighter on their badge. The event is not competitive and participants can climb as many stories as they choose.

The event details are as follows:

• Early bird registration fee is $35 per climber till July 8, which will increase to $40 from July 9 to August 12, and then to $45 till the day of the event.
• Pre-registrants will receive an event t-shirt if registered by August 12, and all climbers will receive an honor badge.
• Pre-event check-in is available on September 8 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. near Lot 5 at Lambeau Field.
• The opening ceremony will commence at 9:00 a.m. on September 9, featuring the Presentation of the Colors, National Anthem, remarks from the NFFF, and a prayer.
• Climbers will start in 10-minute waves of 343 climbers on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Entertainment will be provided near the Kwik Trip Gate for attendees and participants.
• Pre-registration and event details can be accessed on the Facebook event page or at piercemfg.com/climb.

The NFFF, supported by Pierce and the Green Bay Metro Fire Department, strives to honor and remember America’s fallen fire heroes and aid their families through a range of initiatives such as the Fire Hero Family Network, conferences, workshops, and scholarships.

Pierce Manufacturing president Bob Schulz expressed: “The events of 9/11 are of great significance to today’s fire service as they symbolize the immense sacrifice, courage, and dedication in the face of unparalleled adversity.

“The tragic loss of 343 firefighters during the 9/11 attacks serves as a constant reminder of the inherent risk firefighters face in their line of duty and strengthens the sense of camaraderie and unity as we honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb allows us to come together as a community to show we will never forget, and to support the fire service beyond the apparatus we build each day.”