(Cushing, Okla) — Four of Cushing’s “finest” firefighters participated in the 4th Annual Oklahoma City 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. They are: FF3 Mark Beitz, FF1 Dalton Novotny, FF2 James Blevins, and FF3 Levi Collier.
The Opening Ceremony was scheduled to start at approximately 8:00 (am) on Saturday, September 12th, 2015 at the Chase Building (Cotter Ranch Tower), 100 N. Broadway Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The very first 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb was held September 11, 2003 during “Operation Enduring Freedom” in Parwan Province, Afghanistan. The first Oklahoma City 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb was held on September 8, 2012, with 343 firefighters climbing 110 floors to honor the FDNY 343 and to commit to the promise of “Never Forget”. “They did, so we will” is the commitment made by Cushing firefighters as well as others throughout the nation. Registration proceeds from the benefit will be going towards the Oklahoma Firefighter Foundation.
At 8:47 (am) climbers ascended 110 floors in honor of one of the FDNY 343. Once they completed the climb they placed an accountability tag of the FDNY member they climbed for, on a board to signify they completed the task. Cushing firefighters climbed for Engine 22 and started their climb at the time that firefighters from Engine 22 did. Full gear was not required but was encouraged for the participants to wear.
Fire fighters from Cushing wore bunker gear, scba (self-contained breathing apparatus), and helmet which adds about 60 pounds to your body weight.
Participants were asked to arrive at approximately 7:00 (am) to help allow for enough time to sign in and get into the appropriate staging area. All climbers were required to be signed in not later than 8:00 (am).
Go to www.okcstairclimb.com/ for more information.
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