Firefighters pay homage to 9/11 with stair-climbing exercise

To pay tribute to the firefighters who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Jackson Fire Rescue members continuously climbed a Stairmaster Stair Mill for 343 minutes at Southeast HealthPoint Fitness in Jackson Thursday.

The number of minutes symbolizes the 343 firemen who died in the Twin Towers that day and ensures those lost will never be forgotten. Fire departments nationwide hold similar events, but this is the first time Jackson Fire Rescue attempted it.

Fire Chief Jason Mouser, who said he planned to take the stairs, too, thought the exercise was fitting.

"I think it's a great tribute to the men and women who lost their lives on that day and their families in New York City," Mouser said. He added firefighters were on the Stair Mill anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour.

Jackson has 18 career firefighters, and Mouser said about half his department was only 10 to 15 years old when the attacks occurred.

For the climb, some firefighters wore a 50-pound vest to simulate the weight of their gear and airpack, others their full gear, and some their regular uniforms.

Firefighters said they would be tackling the stairs for five hours and 43 minutes. Wiping his face after a long turn on the Stair Mill, firefighter Justin Drury said he couldn't really put into words what the experience was like.

"But it's still an emotional process climbing the stairs," Drury said.

Justin Farrar, a fellow firefighter, said it was "tough" climbing the stairs, "harder than I thought it was going to be."

Fay Reiminger, administrative assistant, waited her turn on the Stair Mill by warming up on one of the treadmills. She wanted to take part because of the 9/11 anniversary and to experience something of what their colleagues did.

Capt. Greg Hecht, who organized the stair climb, said the attacks brought an awareness of terrorists attacking the U.S. and greatly affected first responders. "I think the public became more aware of our role in such an event," Hecht said.

Mouser said the attacks made firefighters realize you can't take any call for granted. "You've got to be a lot more attentive to your surroundings, even in a small town," he said.

Scott Givens, manager of HealthPoint in Jackson, said the fire department approached the business about using the facilities and equipment. "We thought of it as a tremendous idea," Givens said. "We were honored to do it."

Mouser said the department plans to participate in the stair climb again next year.

rcampbell@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address: 410 W. Main St., Jackson