The Pleasant Grove Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) proudly announces the participation of two of its own, Chief Scott Mischnick and Firefighter Mandi Mischnick, in the annual Fort Worth 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. This poignant event, held at the City Center towers, serves as a powerful tribute to the 343 FDNY firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001.
The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is more than just a physical challenge; it’s a profound act of remembrance. Participants climb the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center towers—a grueling 2,200 steps. This effort symbolically completes the heroic journey of the fallen, as they ascended the towers to save others. The Fort Worth event, held at the Bank of America Tower, replicates this climb by having participants ascend to the 30th floor three times, and then to the 20th floor on the fourth climb.
Each climber carries a lanyard with the name and photo of one of the 343 firefighters lost on that day, creating a personal connection to the memory of the fallen. Through this act of solidarity, the fire service ensures that their legacy is never forgotten. The event also raises funds for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, supporting programs for the families of fallen heroes and their fellow firefighters.
Participation in the Fort Worth Stair Climb highlights the dedication of the Pleasant Grove VFD, located in Big Sandy, Texas, to not only serve their local community but also to honor the wider brotherhood of firefighting. It’s a powerful reminder that while the events of 9/11 happened thousands of miles away, the impact and the memory are deeply felt by first responders everywhere. We are incredibly honored to participate in efforts to keep the stories of the 9/11 heroes alive.