JACKSONVILLE -- The Jacksonville State University stadium vibrated with a unique energy Thursday, as dozens of first responders, military personnel, and community members converged on the field, filled the stairs and lined the bleachers for the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.
This event, co-hosted by the university's police department and ROTC program, transformed the athletic venue into a living memorial, inviting participants to ascend the equivalent of 110 flights of stairs - the harrowing number first responders climbed in the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001.
University Police Chief Michael Barton emphasized the event's core purpose.
"This is our way to continue to never forget the sacrifice that the first responders gave, the lives that were lost for the victims and their surviving families," Barton said.
Participants included members from various agencies, with some firefighters wearing full turnout gear and air packs, and law enforcement officers in tactical gear, mirroring the immense physical challenge faced by those on that day. Barton noted the diverse representation.
"It's dozens of agencies that have sent people and represented... We've got a lot of participation from agencies throughout the region." He added that law enforcement, fire service, EMS, emergency management, communication centers, and the Army were all represented, along with Jax State community members.
Lt. Col. Eddie Walker, Professor of Military Science and commander of Jax State's ROTC program, highlighted the event's meticulous timing.
"Today's events were in sequence. What would happen on 9/11, the same time stamp as the Eastern Standard Time, but we're doing on, of course, East Central Standard Time," Walker said.
Throughout the morning, as the original attacks unfolded, the walk paused for a bell to be tolled and a moment of silence observed.
Walker expressed humility witnessing the dedication of some participants.
"We had Jacksonville Fire Department, they're still going through it in full kit. It's kind of humbling a little bit as they're going through this, and here we are doing it in shorts and T-shirts. But they're doing a great job in participating," Walker said.
He specifically mentioned the Northeast Alabama Police Academy's strong presence on the field, with approximately 80 participants.
Barton reflected on the broader significance of the climb.
"I think this is a great encouragement to show the patriotism that our country has to do the right thing and the commitment on behalf of our first responders and our military service members and veterans. This is what it's all about, is being a true American and a true patriot," he said. The chief himself completed the climb Thursday morning.