WALLACE — The annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is set for next Friday, and Silver Valley Fire Rescue Deputy Chief John Miller is hoping for a large community turnout. 

The event will begin with an opening ceremony at 9 a.m., followed by the stair climb at approximately 9:30 a.m. Participants will have the opportunity to climb up to 110 flights of stairs in remembrance of the firefighters and first responders who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. 

Like many Americans, Miller can vividly remember the events of that day 25 years ago. Though still in school at the time, he already knew he wanted a career in the fire service, and the attacks left a lasting impression. 

That commitment to the "Never Forget" mantra eventually inspired Miller to create the annual memorial event in Wallace. 

"The term 'never forget' is often seen on various merchandise, but it has a deeper meaning than just the words," Miller said. "Our stair climb provides those that attend with fallen firefighter cards with names and photos. However, on the back of each card is a few sentences about each person. I look at Never Forget as remembering who they were. It represents the promise that the sacrifice of those firefighters won’t become merely a statistic or a paragraph in a history book. Service before self, courage despite fear, taking care of your crew, answering when someone needs help, and doing your job even when the outcome is uncertain." 

Organizers encourage the public to attend, whether they choose to participate in the climb or simply take part in the commemorative ceremony. 

This year's event will feature a performance by the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department Pipes and Drums during the opening ceremony. 

For Miller, the significance of this year's event is amplified by the 25th anniversary of the attacks. He noted that many firefighters entering the profession today know about Sept. 11 only through history lessons and training, rather than personal experience. 

"We and other departments across the country have firefighters who were not even born yet," Miller said. "Now these men and women wear the same badge, took the same oath to protect life and property, and carry the same responsibility. 25 years is a generational milestone. It's all about feeling. The stair climb, if you choose to climb 110 flights of stairs or even just a few flights, lets you feel. You get the opening ceremony and feel the bagpipes. You feel the moment of silence among other people." 

That emotional connection is one reason many participants return year after year. 

"My first climb was in Denver in 2015, and it made a big impact on my life," Miller said. "The day gave me a different meaning than in 2001 as a senior in high school. Documentary after documentary showed me that many of the first responders climbing up the stairwell on September 11 knew they would not make it out alive and still continued to push and climb so they could assist folks." 

A raffle will be held during the event, featuring prizes that include firefighter tools, a silver Pulaski necklace and other donated items. Proceeds from the raffle and event will benefit the Jeff Welch Memorial Fund, which provides assistance to Idaho first responders who have been injured or killed in the line of duty. 

Each year, first responders from across the region attend and participate in the climb - Miller hopes to see the participation grow among first responders and community members alike. 

SVFR has partnered with ISU AmeriCorps through the Patriot Day Grant to provide free commemorative T-shirts, while supplies last, and fallen firefighter remembrance cards for participants to keep. 

The stair climb is designed to be inclusive and family-friendly. Participants may choose their own level of involvement, whether attending the opening ceremony, climbing a few flights of stairs, or completing the full 110-flight challenge. Families and children are encouraged to participate. 

Wallace Brewing will provide water and snacks throughout the event. 

The event is open to the public, and no prior climbing experience is required. 

The ceremony will be held at 604 Hotel Street, just south of the Sixth and Bank Street intersection. For more information, contact Deputy Fire Chief John Miller at [email protected].