WOODVILLE – Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025 marks 24 years since terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City ended the lives of many, including 343 firefighters.
A group of Tyler County firefighters, from different agencies, is taking up a challenge to pay tribute to the New York firefighters who were lost to the events of that tragic day.
“This is about remembering the sacrifices made on 9/11 and showing solidarity as a community,” said participant Sal Baldovinos, a member of the Shady Grove Volunteer Fire Department.
Thr group will convene on Anytime Fitness in Woodville, at 8 a.m. sharp, to undertake the challenge, which includes climbing or walking the equivalent of 110 stories of the World Trade Center.
The tribute will include the firefighters climbing, on the stair machine, in full bunker gear and a self-contained breathing apparatus, and due to only one stair machine available, each firefighter will take turns, with their climbs lasting 30 minutes or more.
The firefighters who are signed up to participate include Baldovinos; Bradley McLendon; Jacob Booth; Clay Busey and Zane Koi, all with the Woodville VFD, except Baldovinos.
According to Baldovinos, in order to keep the event moving and inclusive, additional physical challenges such as dumbbell and kettlebell farmer’s carries and burpees will also take place.
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, which created the challenge for the nation’s firefighters, states on its website that “through firefighter and community participation we ensure that each of the 343 firefighters is honored and that the world knows that we will never forget. These 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs help the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation create and maintain programs that support Fire Hero Families and firefighters.”
The tribute is open to the public, and the participants are urging the public to attend, support and join in on the tribute.
