Fire departments across the county to host Sept. 11 memorial event at Crestview HS

COLUMBIANA -- An event honoring the lives of the 343 New York firefighters who died in the line of duty on Sept. 11, 2001 is being held at the Crestview High School.

The Memorial Stair Climb and walk is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Rebel Stadium.

The event is being hosted locally by the Columbiana County fire departments and is part of national 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs being held across the country.

"You die twice in your life. Once when you pass, and the second time is when people stop saying your name," local event coordinator Casey Panezott said. "We are hoping people join us so that the 343 aren't forgotten."

Registration for the event is $35 with proceeds directly benefiting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) to create and sustain programs that support Fire Hero Families and firefighters.

Participants will climb or walk the equivalent of 110 stories in honor of the fallen FDNY firefighters who ascended the World Trade Center.

The event will also include a keynote speech from state Rep. Monica Robb Blasdell, and speeches from local fire chiefs, EMS and police officers.

The climb will begin at 3:30 p.m. and attendees are encouraged to wear athletic gear and refrain from wearing their full turnout gear.

Registration is encouraged prior to the event and can be done online at https://nfff.akaraisin.com/ui/columbiana26/about

Online registration will close at midnight Sept. 3, with onsite registration available at 2 p.m. the day of the event for $45.

Registration is limited to 500 participants.

Those unable to join the event at Rebel Stadium are encouraged to join the #ForThe343 movement.

The nationwide movement invites people to honor the 343 FDNY firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11 and those who later died from post-9/11 illnesses by climbing the equivalent of one flight of stairs, upload a selfie video, and challenge three others to do the same.

More information can be found online at ForThe343.org.

Panezott wished to thank the Crestview High School for hosting the event locally.

"They opened their doors up for us without any hesitation. They have been so welcoming and accommodating," she said.