September 11 Memorial Climb
Calling all Ventura area firefighters, police officers, and members of the public.
Join us Sept. 7, 2024 to honor the first responders who lost their lives on 9/11,
and raise funds for Ventura fire families.
#VFFStairClimb
Hosted by the Ventura City Honor Guard and Ventura Fire Foundation, the September 11 Memorial Climb is organized to honor the 343 FDNY firefighters and 60 police officers killed in the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center.
All funds raised will be used by the Ventura Fire Foundation for programs benefitting Ventura fire families.
New in 2024 -
Registration is limited to 150 climbers. We encourage all regional fire and police departments to send a team.
Staggered starts to minimize congestion.
Take plenty of photos and videos and post them to social media. Use the #VFFStairClimb and tag Ventura Fire Foundation.
Who: Firefighters, police officers, and everyone who wants to honor the fallen 9/11 firefighters. Climb is limited to 150 climbers. Supporters are welcome to attend and cheer them on. All Climbers must be at least 8 years old. Children between 8 and 18 must be accompanied by an adult on the Climb, and register by emailing venturafirefoundation@gmail.com.
What: Climbers who attempt a full Climb will complete 11 "laps" up and down 12 flights of stairs. Climbers who attempt a half climb will complete 6 laps.
When: Saturday, September 7, 2024 Arrive at 8:00 am for check-in. Climb starts at 9:00 am.
Where: Crowne Plaza Ventura 450 E. Harbor Blvd Ventura, CA 93001
Cost: $91.10 per Climber. 100% of the proceeds are used to support the Foundation’s programs for local firefighters and their families.
Other:
All Climbers MUST sign/acknowledge two liability waivers - one for the City of Ventura and one for the Ventura Fire Foundation at registration.
The Crowne Plaza is offering free parking; tell attendent you are with the Climb.
Lunch for Climbers will be provided by Crowne Plaza.
The Crowne Plaza is also offering discounted room rates if you want to stay the night before or after. Email us at venturafirefoundation@gmail.com for details.
Climbers should check-in outside on the Promenade ocean side, (across from Aloha Steakhouse).
Approximate time to complete the Climb is 75 minutes.
Family are welcome to join us on the 12th Floor to cheer on the Climbers.
We need 10-12 volunteers to help with check-in, supplying water, etc. If you can help, please click the Volunteer button.
Firefighters who Climb are encouraged to wear full structure PPE with SCBA; gear only, not on air. A limited number of Air-Paks for use by fireifghters will be provided and available in the first floor conference room…you must bring your ID.
Water will be provided. We encourage Climbers to bring their own drinks and energy supplements/food.
SPONSORS
Important information from VCF Acting Captain Will Nackers, Climb organizer.
The goal of this event is to honor all lives lost on September 11th, 2001. The Memorial Climb is as closely simulated to the 110 flights/2071 steps inside the Twin Towers. This event is very physically and mentally challenging when in full structure fire gear and will require 100% effort. This event is not limited just to firefighters in gear, though. We encourage you to invite your friends and family to register and participate or come as a spectator to support our honorary climb.
The Crowne Plaza has 12 floors. The start is on ground level at the exterior of the south stairwell (ocean side). After the first climb to the 12th floor, participants cross inside the 12th floor to the north stairwell and proceed down to the second floor. Then, participants proceed across the inside of the 2nd floor back to the south stair well. Participants continue until 11 laps are completed (or 6 if you are doing the half climb). At the conclusion, participants STOP on the 12th floor to recover, hydrate and gather gear before proceeding back to ground level for lunch in the Moonfish Cafe.. The average time is about 75 min., so plan accordingly. Volunteers will help direct you towards the stairwells.
Check in will be outside on the Promenade, across from Aloha Steakhouse. Upon arrival, you and your guests should go straight there. Once the climb starts, your guests can take the elevator up to the Top Harbor room to cheer you on. There are restrooms available on the 12th floor and inside the lobby on both sides. Proceed to the start through the lobby and exit out to the south stairwell.
The Crowne Plaza is providing free parking on the west side of the building. Please notify the parking attendant upon arrival that you are a registered participant of the climb.
We encourage firefighters to wear full structure fire PPE to recreate the experience of the 9-11 firefighters: coat with liner and shell, pants with liner and shell, structure boots, structure gloves with you but not on, structure helmet, SCBA pack with bottle, NO hood. Gear only, not on air. There are NO inspections and only you can have integrity. A limited number of Air-Paks provided will be available.
We are very grateful that the Crowne Plaza is allowing us to host this event. We ask that you are respectful to staff, hotel guests and other participants. This is not a race. Once again, this climb is challenging. Your wellbeing needs to be prioritized, so pacing, not speed, is important. Please hydrate well starting at least 24 hours in advance. We look forward to accomplishing this event together.