On April 7, 2018 343 participants (equivalent to the 343 firefighters that lost their lives on 9/11) joined together for the 9/11 Stair Climb; which was presented by Chase Bank. The participants were joined by retired NBA legends such a John Starks and Latrell Sprewell, Chief of Department Leonard, UFA President Gerard Fitzgerald, National Fallen Firefighter Foundation volunteer Chief Kevin Cooney, and many more special individuals. It was a great day that began with our National Anthem followed by the Pipes and Drums from The FDNY Emerald Society. After the participants completed the climb they rang the bell and spoke the name of the fallen firefighter they climbed for. They then were greeted by active FDNY members, Madison Square Garden associates, and former NY Knicks to take pictures and congratulate each other on their accomplishments today. The day was a success and hopefully will continue to grow in years to come. Thank you to those who came out today; it was amazing to see everyone coming together for an incredible cause.
"The New York Knicks 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is a way to honor and remember the FDNY Firefighters who selflessly gave their lives so that others might live on 9/11/2001. Each participant pays tribute to an FDNY firefighter by climbing the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. There were 343 firefighters that lost their lives on 9/11. The climb benefits the FDNY Counseling Services Unit, UFA Widows and Children’s Fund, and the programs provided by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to support the families of our nation's fallen firefighters." -(www.nba.com/knicks/memorial-climb)