Wiregrass 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

Our event is more than a fundraiser or test of physical fitness.
It's about honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
And ensuring the next generation never forgets.

Come climb, walk, or ruck with us: https://nfff.akaraisin.com/ui/wiregrass26

We’re set up at Publix in Enterprise today, trying to get the word out about this year’s climb. If you’re in the area, come say hi!

Price increase in 7 days. Register to climb/walk/ruck today: https://nfff.akaraisin.com/ui/wiregrass26

WHY WE CLIMB:

“Yamel Josefina Merino was just 24 years old on Sept. 11, 2001, but she had already earned accolades and respect for her work as a first responder. Merino lived in Yonkers with her young son, Kevin, and enjoyed spending time with her parents and four siblings. After giving birth to her son, she earned her GED, and took a job with MetroCare Ambulance in 1998. She quickly endeared herself to her colleagues with her positive attitude and compassion for others.

Merino rose through the ranks, receiving her Emergency Medical Technician certification from Westchester Community College and working her way from the transport division to the 9-1-1 division, where she provided lifesaving care to people in need across the New York City area. In 1999, she was named MetroCare’s EMT of the Year. She hoped to continue her path in the profession by studying to become a nurse.

Merino was one of the first emergency responders to arrive at the World Trade Center site on 9/11, and she volunteered to approach the towers while her partner stayed behind with their ambulance. She was providing aid to evacuees outside the South Tower when it collapsed. After her death, she was honored as New York State’s EMT of the Year.

By Kirsten Madsen, Assistant Manager of Memorial Exhibition, 9/11 Memorial Museum”

HUGE thank you to the Dothan Fire Department Command Group for being a Chief level sponsor of this year's climb. We are super grateful for you! Dothan Fire Department

Register: https://nfff.akaraisin.com/ui/wiregrass26

Thank you to David Protein for being a Chief level sponsor for this year’s climb AND for donating their 5 entries to local first responders. If you haven’t had these protein bars, you’re missing out but… you’ll have a chance to try them at the climb/walk!

Link to register: https://nfff.akaraisin.com/ui/wiregrass26

Thank you to Sunbelt Fire for offering to supply all the waters for this year's stair climb & walk participants!

We're still looking for community partners to help make the 2026 Wiregrass 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb & Walk our biggest and most impactful event yet.

Sponsorships of every size make a difference. Whether you're a local business, organization, or individual who believes in honoring the heroes of September 11th, we'd love to work with you!
This year marks the 25th Anniversary of 9/11—a milestone that reminds us that our promise to “Never Forget” is just as important today as it was 25 years ago.

Your sponsorship helps us:�🇺🇸 Keep this meaningful tradition alive�🚒 Honor the fallen and support their families�❤️ Ensure every participant experiences an event worthy of their sacrifice

If you're interested in becoming a sponsor, please send us a message or email us at [email protected]