Alfred Station’s Blake Mayo and Willing’s Rich English climb for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
From Staff Reports,
On Sunday, September 6, in remembrance of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Blake Mayo and Rich English participated in the Rochester 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at the Rochester Red Wings Ballpark.
Organized in conjunction with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the climb brought together 160 registered participants, including members of multiple fire departments, law enforcement, EMS, the community, and also several honored members of the FDNY. Participants climbed more than 2,000 stairs, representing the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. Many firefighters completed the climb in full turnout gear, adding more than 60 pounds of equipment to carry up the stairs.
The event began with a ceremony honoring the 343 FDNY firefighters and other first responders who lost their lives in the line of duty on September 11, 2001, while selflessly helping others. Mayo and English both emphasize that the stair climb is not about them, but rather about remembering those who gave all. Each participant climbs while carrying the name badge of a fallen hero from that tragic day. The climb also serves as a way to continue raising awareness and support for those who still carry the tremendous burden and lasting effects of 9/11.
With donations hopefully reaching $40,000 this year, funds raised through the event support programs provided by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, including assistance for the families of local fallen firefighters and support for the FDNY Counseling Services Unit.
Combined, Mayo and English bring more than 75 years of multi-state first responder experience and knowledge to their respective communities of Alfred Station and Willing.
