CABAZON, CA – More than 150 people gathered at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa on the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks to honor the 343 FDNY firefighters and 414 total public safety personnel who lost their lives that day.
Hosted by the Morongo Tribal Fire Department in partnership with Morongo Casino Resort & Spa and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb brought together firefighters, law enforcement officers, fire science students and cadets, Morongo Casino team members and members of the public.
Morongo fire crews in full turnout gear and helmets joined participants in climbing the stairwells of the 27-story resort three times, simulating the 2,200 steps and 110 stories FDNY firefighters climbed inside the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001.
The event also raised more than $10,000 for NFFF, which provides grief counseling, financial assistance, peer support and college scholarships to families of firefighters who die in the line of duty.
“Twenty-five years later, we have a responsibility to ensure that the dedication, courage, and sacrifice of the 343 firefighters, and all who were lost in the September 11th terrorist attacks, are never forgotten,” said Abdul Ahmad, Morongo Fire Chief. “Today, every person who climbed those stairs carried the memory of those who were lost in their hearts. That is exactly why we do this.”
The morning began with a tribute video honoring the fallen New York firefighters before a bagpiper’s call signaled the start of the ceremony with an honor guard. Singer Mancini Perez performed the national anthem as uniformed personnel rendered salutes.
“Morongo has always believed in supporting the heroes who serve our communities,” said Mike Bean, Morongo Casino CEO. “Seeing firefighters from across our region, local law enforcement, cadets, and members of the public come together side by side for this climb is a testament to the enduring strength of that spirit of service.”
The climb also included fire science students and cadets, many preparing for careers in public safety and the fire service.
“For many of us, 9/11 was the moment that led us to choose a career in public safety and the fire service,” said Ben Krone, Captain with the Morongo Tribal Fire Department. “This event is our way of honoring that legacy, giving back to the families left behind, and showing that as a community – we will never forget.”
This marked the third year the Morongo Tribal Fire Department and Morongo Casino Resort & Spa have hosted the memorial stair climb.
