Five years ago, I had a simple but powerful idea: to bring a 9/11 memorial stair climb to our community something that would honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and give first responders, families, students, and neighbors a meaningful way to remember together. That first year, we had just 12 climbers, all first responders, and no idea how much this event would grow. Today, I’m proud to say we are preparing for over 200 participants, with people traveling from across Florida to be a part of it.
We’ve welcomed climbers from Flagler, Volusia, Putnum, St. Johns, Seminole, Orange, and Marion counties. Many of the City of Daytona Beach firefighters have joined us every year since 2021. Watching these men and women suit up in full gear and climb 110 flights of stairs is one of the most humbling sights I’ve ever witnessed. It’s an act of respect. Of strength. Of remembrance.
What makes this climb so special is that it’s not just for first responders, it’s for everyone. There’s no cost to participate. No barriers to entry. Just an open invitation to climb, to watch, or simply to be present. Thanks to our generous sponsors and the continued support of Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, we’ve been able to keep this event completely free. That matters to me deeply. I never want cost to be a reason someone can’t take part in this experience.
One of the most emotional traditions we’ve established is that each climber carries a poker chip with the name and photo of a fallen firefighter. It’s not just a symbol, it’s a person, a story, a life. At the end of the climb, participants line an American flag with those chips, officially completing their 110 flights in honor of the hero they carried. It’s incredibly moving to witness, and it reinforces why we’re all there.
Another deeply meaningful part of this event has been my partnership with Flagler Schools. Working with our incredible superintendent, LaShakia Moore, we’ve made it a priority to bring students into the heart of this memorial. Each year, the Fire Leadership Academy from Flagler Palm Coast High School climbs alongside our first responders. The JROTC and color guard from both high schools present the colors with pride, and students read original speeches on what 9/11 means to them. Their words are always emotional and incredibly powerful. They prove that even though these students weren’t alive in 2001, they understand the weight of that day and the responsibility to never forget it.
Every year, I stand back during the ceremony and take it all in, the crowd, the silence, the bagpipes, the unity, and I feel overwhelmed with gratitude. This event is about honoring the fallen, educating our youth, and building a stronger, more compassionate community.
It has truly been one of the greatest honors of my life to bring the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb to life here in our community. If you’ve never attended, I invite you to come. Watch the ceremony. Listen to the students. Climb a few flights or cheer on other climbers. You’ll leave changed.
To learn more or register to participate, visit www.911memorialclimb.com. I hope to see you there.
