First responders across Eastern Idaho are preparing to participate in a physically demanding tribute to honor the victims and heroes of the September 11 attacks. The Idaho Falls Police Department, in partnership with Anheuser-Busch, is hosting its fourth annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at the Idaho Falls Malting Facility. As first reported by idahofallsidaho.gov, the event transforms the industrial staircases of the malt house into a symbolic replica of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers.
Replicating the Twin Towers Climb
The challenge is designed to mirror the ordeal faced by firefighters and emergency personnel who rushed up the stairs of the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. Each tower contained 110 floors and approximately 2,071 steps. To replicate this historic ascent, participants at the Idaho Falls Malting Facility will climb the facility’s stairs 7.6 times, going both up and down. This rigorous physical test serves as a direct homage to the endurance and bravery of those who responded to the tragedy two decades ago.
The climbing window opens at midnight on September 1 and remains accessible around the clock until midnight on September 11. Unlike typical community fitness events, this climb is strictly limited to first responders. The general public is excluded from participating in the physical ascent, ensuring the event remains a dedicated space for emergency service personnel to honor their colleagues and predecessors.
Broad Participation Across Agencies
Last year’s event saw participation from a wide array of emergency services. Beyond the Idaho Falls Police Department, climbers included members of the Idaho Falls Fire Department, the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho State Police, and Blackfoot Fire. The previous cohort also welcomed first responders from out-of-state agencies, highlighting the regional solidarity among emergency personnel.
Within the Idaho Falls Police Department, participation spans multiple divisions. Last year, climbers included members of the Honor Guard, various patrol shifts, the Bomb Squad, Emergency Communications Officers, Detectives, SWAT team members, Command Staff, and professional staff. This broad representation underscores the department’s commitment to remembering the sacrifices made by all branches of public safety.
Supporting Local Charities
While the physical climb is restricted to first responders, the community can show support through financial contributions. Five local charities have been identified as beneficiaries for this year’s event:
- Chaplains of Idaho
- Greater Idaho Falls Police Foundation
- Heroes Defense
- Idaho Falls Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 6 – Officer Wellness Fund
- Tunnels to Towers
Tunnels to Towers, a national organization with a long-standing relationship with Anheuser-Busch, will also receive support. The partnership between the brewing company and the memorial event has been a consistent feature of this annual tradition. Public donations provide a tangible way for residents of Bonneville County and surrounding areas to contribute to the welfare of first responders and their families.
Commemorative Context
The stair climb is part of a broader network of memorials in the region. Permanent 9/11 Memorials are located at Idaho Falls Fire Station 1 and Bonneville County Fire District 1. These sites, along with the annual stair climb, serve as focal points for reflection and remembrance during the anniversary period.
The event highlights the enduring bond between local government agencies and private industry in honoring national tragedies. By opening their facility to first responders, Anheuser-Busch provides the infrastructure necessary for this solemn physical tribute. The Idaho Falls Police Department facilitates the organization, ensuring that participants from various agencies can access the stairs throughout the ten-day period.
For those interested in supporting the cause but unable to climb, donations remain open to the identified charities. The Greater Idaho Falls Police Foundation and the Officer Wellness Fund specifically address the physical and mental health needs of law enforcement officers, while Chaplains of Idaho provides spiritual care to first responders. Heroes Defense offers legal support to public safety personnel, ensuring they can perform their duties without fear of unjustified litigation.
This year’s climb marks the fourth iteration of the event at the Idaho Falls Malting Facility. The consistency of the partnership suggests a growing tradition in Eastern Idaho’s approach to remembering September 11. As first responders from across the region prepare to tackle the stairs, the event serves as both a physical challenge and a communal act of remembrance.
The climb begins at midnight on September 1, giving participants a full ten days to complete the ascent. This extended window allows for flexibility in scheduling, accommodating the varied shifts and duties of emergency personnel. The doors close at midnight on September 11, concluding the physical tribute as the anniversary date arrives.
Community members looking to engage with local public safety initiatives may also find opportunities through other regional events. For instance, recent volunteer efforts have seen significant community involvement in environmental cleanups, such as Melaleuca’s 200+ Volunteers Transform Idaho Falls Greenbelt in Fourth Annual Cleanup. While distinct from the memorial climb, these activities reflect a broader culture of civic engagement and support for local institutions in Bonneville County.
The stair climb remains a solemn occasion. It is not a race or a competition, but a deliberate act of remembrance. The physical exertion mirrors the historical reality faced by first responders on 9/11, creating a visceral connection to the past. For the participants, it is a chance to honor those who gave everything, and for the community, it is an opportunity to support those who continue to serve.