Samantha Carlson
•9/11/2026
More than 250 participants, including firefighters and first responders, climbed stairs at Charlotte Sports Park to honor the sacrifices of 9/11 responders. More than 250 people, including firefighters, first responders, and community members, gathered at Charlotte Sports Park on Friday morning for a 9/11 memorial stair climb to honor the sacrifices of those who responded to the attacks 25 years ago. Participants climbed in groups, with some wearing equipment and air masks weighing over 45 pounds. Charlotte County firefighter and EMT Danny Sacksteder described the experience as both challenging and meaningful. "I was able to come out and be a part of this and support what the fans are going to," Sacksteder said. For Sacksteder, the event was especially poignant. He was part of the Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) out of Fort Myers during the 9/11 response, setting up mobile hospitals at the base of Ground Zero for workers. "It's hard to describe. Pictures don't do it justice. Being there was unbelievable. The smells, they smell the same. The environment was incredible," Sacksteder said. Charlotte County Fire and EMS Chief Matthew McElroy reflected on the effort required for the climb. "Today was just a mere fraction of what those guys from 9/11 had to do. It was a little bit more work than what I expected," McElroy said. Ashley Turner, Charlotte County Public Safety PIO, highlighted the interactive nature of the event. "A lot of events, you come and you sit and you just remember, together. But this is interactive. You get to climb together," Turner said. Turner also noted that some crews participated as shifts, climbing together on their off days or during their workday. The climb served as a tribute to the 343 FDNY firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11. The event was scheduled to continue until noon, with funds raised going toward local fire service programs, including support for CC Fire & EMS Benevolent Inc. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
