Members of the Bridgeview Fire Department and the local community gathered at SeatGeek Stadium on Saturday, September 19, for the sixth annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Over 40 firefighters from five area departments climbed the equivalent of the World Trade Center’s 78th floor—the highest point firefighters reached before the South Tower collapsed—to honor the 343 New York City Fire Department members who lost their lives on September 11. According to Bridgeview Fire Chief Keith Grzadziel, the climb serves as both a memorial and a way to support those left behind. Proceeds were donated to the 100 Club of Illinois, which provides financial and emotional support to the families of first responders who die in the line of duty.
The event has grown significantly since its 2021 inception, when just six firefighters climbed the toboggan slide stairs at Swallow Cliff Woods in Palos Park.
Despite Saturday’s rain, the spirit of the event remained unbroken as Battalion Chief Yerkovich reflected on the turnout: “In spite of the weather, our community and outside fire departments showed up to challenge the power of time. We are beyond blessed to have the stadium and cannot wait to watch the seeds we have planted together grow, so future generations know the purpose of life is to serve your fellow man.”
