Imperial Valley community Gathers for 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb: A Tribute to Fallen Heroes
The Imperial Valley came together on a solemn evening in September to honor the brave first responders who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb event saw its largest-ever turnout in 2024, with over 550 participants pre-registered and a total of more than 600 attendees.
Local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and organizations such as the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Border Patrol El Centro Sector, and U.S. Marshals were all present to pay tribute to the 343 firefighters, 23 New York City police officers, and 13 paramedics/EMTs who perished on 9/11.
additionally, Cadets from high schools throughout the valley, including Brawley Union, Southwest, and Central Union High Schools, stood alongside city officials and first responders from Brawley, El Centro, Calexico, and surrounding cities.
A Growing Tribute
2024 marked the 11th anniversary of the Imperial Valley 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, and it has grown significantly since its inception. Event organizers proudly reported the highest number of pre-registrations in its history. Edgar Quinones, president of the IV 9/11 Stair Climb Committee, noted the community’s overwhelming support, saying, “Tonight, Imperial Valley comes together to honor the 23rd anniversary.”
During his speech, Quinones added, “Tonight stairclimbing is a night of remembrance as we walk or run these flights of stairs.”
The event’s participants were given badges bearing the names and images of the fallen first responders, with extras distributed as more people signed up to climb the stairs in their honor. Those attending had the opportunity to remember the heroes of 9/11 while interacting with the first responders who protect the local community every day.
A Community United
Food vendors and local businesses joined in to support the event, offering refreshments to participants and spectators. Among the agencies in attendance were the Calipatria Fire Department, Brawley Fire and Police Departments, the Imperial County Firefighters Association, and U.S. Marines, among others.
Pastor Chris Nunn led a prayer for the fallen, and a representative rang a silver bell three times, symbolizing remembrance. “The bell ringing three times represents the morning and remembrance throughout all the cities in Imperial Valley,” Quinones said.
Quinones also took a moment to thank the agencies involved, stating, “On behalf of the committee we would like to recognize the law-enforcement and agencies in attendance.”
Looking Ahead: Building a Lasting Memorial
The IV 9/11 Stair Climb Committee, a 501(c) nonprofit, aims to continue honoring the legacy of 9/11 through future events and a permanent memorial. Quinones discussed their plans to us, explaining, “So all the administration fees, all the money Stays here in the valley, were a 501(c) nonprofit, so all the funds stays here in the valley, and so what we wanna build is a memorial here in the fairgrounds and we’ve already made good progress by leveling out the sites over here, and you can see where there’s a flag.”
In addition to the memorial, the committee plans to sell bricks that community members can purchase to place their family names on, as part of the memorial. “We don’t know the price at the time, but those bricks can be purchased and the families put their names on there, and they will be part of the memorial,” Quinones told 760 News.
Honoring Our Heroes
As the evening concluded, the sense of unity and remembrance was palpable. Quinones reflected on the event’s impact, saying, “I think this event brings the community together, and not only is it a great cause but it helps mentally and physically, for the first responders obviously they face trauma every day you know, PTSD and stuff like that and you know, this is a good mental health and physical event and it helps to promote a healthy lifestyle.”
He further emphasized the importance of recognizing the local first responders, adding, “It helps us to recognize and honor the fallen but at the same time interact with our first responders that are here in the community because they do a lot for us and protect us every day.”
With more people attending each year, the Imperial Valley 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb continues to grow as a cornerstone event for the community, reminding everyone of the importance of honoring the past while building a better future for the valley’s first responders and residents alike.