Binghamton Fire hosted its annual ‘9/11 Memorial Stair Climb’

BINGHAMTON (WBNG) -- The Binghamton Fire Department’s annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb took place Sunday morning, just days after the 23rd anniversary of the September 11th attacks.

Participants gathered at Mirabito Stadium, where climbers ascended 110 stories in honor of the 343 firefighters who were unable to finish their climb up the Twin Towers in 2001.

Christopher Mallery coordinated the event for the 14th consecutive year.

Mallery was inspired to coordinate the event after witnessing a similar climb in Colorado. He said that he believes it’s crucial for people to remember the day.

“Today we honor and pledge to never forget our 343 brothers,” Mallery said. “We complete the historic journey they started 23 years ago.”

Each participant was given a lanyard to wear in honor of one of the fallen firefighters. Many of the climbers were firefighters who wore their gear.

The Assistant Chief of Chenango Bridge Fire Company, Sean Wheeler participated in the stair climb for the first time after having it as a goal.

“It’s always been something on my list to do, and I just never felt that I was in shape enough to do it,” Wheeler said. “I figured if those guys down there could’ve done it, in whatever shape they were in, then so can I.”

Mallery encourages the community to join in the climb in 2025.

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