On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, 12 firefighters from three local fire departments gathered at POET Bioprocessing – Lake Crystal to honor the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice on Sept. 11, 2001.
The firefighters took on the 9/11 Stair Challenge, climbing 110 flights of stairs — the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers — to raise money for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
The challenge was no small feat. The firefighters completed the challenge in full gear, including air tanks, carrying approximately 60 pounds of additional weight beyond their own body weight as they climbed nearly 2,200 steps. To match the height of the Twin Towers, they made over 15 trips to the top of POET’s corrugated steel grain bins.
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Emergency Responders at Sept. 11 Memorial Stair Climb at POET Bioprocessing - Lake Crystal
For the firefighters, the challenge was about more than physical endurance. It was a way to remember the 343 firefighters and other first responders who lost their lives while responding to the attacks, and to honor the courage and selfless sacrifice of those who protect their communities every day.
“The 9/11 Stair Challenge is a powerful way to honor the bravery and sacrifice of those who gave everything to protect others,” said Derek Schultz, General Manager of POET Bioprocessing – Lake Crystal. “We’re proud to open our doors and support these firefighters as they carry that memory forward.”
Schultz said the event also reflects a strong connection between the bioethanol industry and the men and women who serve their communities.
“The bioethanol industry strongly supports first responders and veterans,” Schultz said. “There’s a shared commitment to serving others and strengthening the communities we call home.”
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About one in six employees across the bioethanol industry are veterans, Schultz said, underscoring the industry’s longstanding connection to those who have served.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11, making the challenge an especially meaningful opportunity to pause, remember, and honor the heroes whose courage continues to inspire.
