Lawton firefighters prepare for OKC 9/11 "Memorial Stair Climb"

LAWTON, OK (KSWO)- Lawton firefighters are headed to Oklahoma City Saturday for the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. They'll join 343 other firefighters and climb 110 floors to honor their brothers and sisters lost in the World Trade Center attacks.

"There were 110 stories and that's what we're commemorating," said Josh Burkhalter. "The 110 stories that were on the twin towers."

This is Burkhalter's first year participating. He and other firefighters from the station have been preparing for the Memorial Stair Climb by climbing stairs at the station during their workout time.

"I don't think anyone will have a problem in our group, everyone been training and we work hard every day at the department," he said.

The climb will take place at the Cotter Ranch Tower in Oklahoma City, where firefighters will be asked to where full armor while scaling each story.

Burkhalter said he believes the climb will allow him and other firefighters to bond but most importantly commit to the promise of never forgetting those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks.

"Just to remember everything the firefighters gave," he said. "Of course, they paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives and it just gives us a chance to just honor them and what they did and what they sacrificed."

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