Never forgotten: OSU holds ninth annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb to honor fallen firefighters, first responders

Monday, September 28, 2026

Media Contact: Tanner Holubar | Communications Specialist | 405-744-2065 | tanner.holubar@okstate.edu

On Sept.11, 2001, the United States of America was forever changed.

That day saw the loss of 343 New York City firefighters and many other first responders. It is a day that changed the way firefighting is taught, with efforts to make a dangerous profession safer for those who run into a burning building with courage and determination.

Learning how 9/11 changed the fire service showed him how deeply the tragedy reshaped the profession.

"The amount of additional training he had to go through after 9/11 taught me that it's important you need to be ready for anything," Garrison said. "Honoring their sacrifice, for me, is about remembering that firefighting is a hard job, and you have to do a lot of things that people don't know about. So, you need to remember that and show gratefulness for the sacrifices they made."

Kristiee Moorman has served with the Glencoe Fire Department for 13 years. She had heard about memorial stair climbs over the years and was proud to take part during the 25th anniversary of 9/11.

"It's pretty emotional, especially with all of the firefighters who died on 9/11," Moorman said. "This is our way to give back, and it's kind of emotional seeing the amount of people who are out here not only supporting fire departments, but all first responders."

For members of the Rolling Hills Fire Department in Tulsa, participating was another way to honor the firefighters who never returned home.

"I think it's amazing, if they could see what we are doing, I think they'd be proud," Jason Berry said. "And if this is the most we can do for them, then I'm proud to be able to honor those who didn't come home on 9/11."

Jarett Baker, also of Rolling Hills, said the turnout showed how meaningful it remains to honor those sacrifices 25 years later.

"If this is the most we can do, then I'd do this every day," Baker said. "It's very honorable just being here and seeing everyone come out to honor that sacrifice."

The significance extends beyond the fire service.

Heather Yates, School Head in FCEM, said the turnout demonstrated the lasting impact first responders have on their communities.

"It's always humbling how many people show up, especially on a rainy day," Yates said. "It's very important, but it's also a reminder of how impactful public servants are on society. It means a whole lot, because it's a lot of different people who are showing their support for public servants, not just firefighters."

OSU President Dr. Jim Hess reflected on his own experience with the courage of firefighters.

"One of my best friends earlier in life lost his life fighting a fire, and that person's family has been in my prayers ever since," Hess said. "It takes a special kind of person to be willing to run into a building that everybody else is running out of. It is special to have that kind of moral courage that most of us don't have. Thank you all for being here to support those who have given the ultimate sacrifice."

Even 25 years after 9/11, the OSU Memorial Stair Climb continues to give firefighters, students and community members a way to remember the lives lost and recognize the people who continue to answer the call.