The Story Behind Firefighter Stair Climbs on 9/11

Each year on September 11th, firefighters across the country lace up their boots, shoulder their gear, and climb 110 flights of stairs. This is not part of their daily duty, but a solemn tribute.

These firefighter stair climbs are more than commemorative events. They are a powerful physical and emotional act of remembrance, honoring the 343 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice at the World Trade Center in 2001. For the Clayton Fire Department, that tribute takes form not only in the climb but in a custom challenge coin that keeps the legacy alive.

Why 110 Floors?

The number 110 holds deep significance. It represents the exact number of floors in the Twin Towers. As the towers burned and thousands fled downward, FDNY firefighters went up, carrying hoses, equipment, and a sense of duty that defied fear. Most never came back down.

To climb 110 stories is to walk, step by step, through their sacrifice. For today’s firefighters, it’s a way to feel, if only briefly, the weight those heroes carried.

Honoring with Action

From large metropolitan cities to small-town departments like Clayton, firefighter stair climbs are held in stadiums, office buildings, and training towers. Some events raise money for firefighter charities. Others are more intimate, focused on remembrance and reflection.

The Clayton Fire Department’s 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is a moving example of how even local departments find ways to participate in this national act of solidarity.

A Coin with Meaning

To mark the event, Clayton’s team partnered with Signature Coins to design a custom 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb challenge coin. It’s a tangible reminder of an emotional mission.

On the front, a firefighter climbs with purpose against a backdrop of stars and stripes, engraved with “Clayton 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.” The reverse features a silhouette of the city’s skyline, with a bold red, white, and blue tribute to the Twin Towers and the number 343, etched in memory of the fallen.

Crafted in raised antique silver metal and made in the USA, this coin isn’t just a keepsake. It’s a symbol of unity, honor, and the unshakable bond between firefighters across generations.

Why Coins Matter

Challenge coins have long held a place in military and first responder culture. They are awarded, traded, and cherished, often becoming heirlooms passed down through families.

For events like the 9/11 stair climb, they give shape to memory. They carry stories. And they help ensure that those who gave everything are never forgotten.

Looking to Create Your Own Tribute?

Whether you’re planning a stair climb, organizing a commemorative event, or simply want to honor the brotherhood of the fire service, a custom coin can help capture the heart of your mission.