Full Breakdown
UK Firefighters Honour 9/11 Victims with Nationwide Tributes
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, fire-and-rescue services marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks with physically demanding challenges. Crews climbed the 343-step St John’s Beacon in Liverpool, walked 343 miles in full kit in Newcastle, scaled a World Trade Centre replica in Whitehaven, and joined more than 200 UK and Irish firefighters in a 2,236-step stair-climb at Truist Park in Atlanta on September 5. Each ascent or mile represented one of the 343 New York firefighters who died.
Background & Context
On September 11, 2001, four hijacked aircraft struck the World Trade Centre, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania, killing almost 3,000 people, including 343 firefighters.
Data & Statistics
- Firefighters killed in New York: 343.
- Total deaths reported: 2,977 (BBC, Dailyecho) vs. 2,997.
- British nationals killed: 67.
- Fundraising outcomes:
- Liverpool climb – funds for UK and US firefighter charities.
- Dorset & Wiltshire stair-climb – supported The Terry Farrell Fund, The Blue Light Card Foundation and The Firefighters Charity, raising over £4,000.
- West Yorkshire cycling challenge – aims to raise money for the Fire Fighters Charity.
Official Statements & Responses
A Dorset & Wiltshire spokesperson noted that more than 1,200 firefighters climbed 2,236 steps in full kit under 37 °C heat. Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s James Luckhurst spoke of the emotional weight of carrying photographs of fallen colleagues during the climb.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's very important for us to remember those who paid that ultimate sacrifice, a lot of emergency responders went to work and never came home.” — Andy Nelson, station manager
- “Ciano at the flag that bears all the names of emergency services personel who died (Image: George Munro) Station officer Donald Gillen said: "As we gather in remembrance, we take time to honour not only the fallen 343 firefighters but also the families of wider emergency services members whose lives were forever changed by that day.” — Donald Gillen
- “An added difficulty was the emotion that you were feeling, we were all carrying photographs of a firefighter that died in 9/11 and it was very poignant.” — James Luckhurst, Kent Fire and Rescue Service
- “Cook-Williams added: "This is an incredibly positive event born out of tragic circumstances.” — Ben Cook-Williams
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the total death toll: 2,977 (BBC, Dailyecho) versus 2,997 (Dorset Echo). Both figures include the 343 New York firefighters, but the discrepancy remains unresolved.
Timeline
- September 11, 2001 – Terrorist attacks kill 343 New York firefighters and nearly 3,000 others.
- September 5, 2024 – 236 UK and Irish firefighters complete a 2,236-step stair-climb at Truist Park, Atlanta.
- September 11, 2024 – Nationwide climbs, walks and memorial services take place across the UK.