Firefighter Jon Benoit says the event features an 80-floor climb in full gear at the World Trade Centre.
“So it’s our own gear We have our big leather boots, pants, coat, gloves, helmet, hood – so it’s basically like wearing a super thick snowsuit. It’s good gear for firefighting because it keeps us from being injured from heat on the outside, but it also bottles up our own heat so it’s pretty hot and sweaty, and ti will be while we’re climbing 80 stories wearing an air pack too,” says Benoit.
The event started in 2015 and now sees over 400 firefighters, police officers, and EMTs climbing World Trade Center #3 overlooking Ground Zero. Officials says each first responder climbs in memory of on of the 23 NYPD, 37 PAPD, and 323 FDNY killed on September 11, 2001, as well as those who have died from post 9/11-related illnesses.
Benoit says that while they’re paying for their own transportation and accommodations, they’ll be holding two fundraisers to raise money for A Soldier’s Journey Home, which is a campaign to building a house for wounded veteran Lance Cpl. Alex Edwards and his family.
They’ll also be raising money for Canadian Blood Services, and the donation will be made in the name of Jocelyn McGlynn, a local 21-year-old from Chatham who is battling leukemia.
The first fundraiser is Skate to Donate, and that will take place on April 4 at the Thames Campus Arena. They’re also doing a fundraiser at Sobey’s in Chatham on April 27th.
Proceeds from both events will be split evenly among the two causes.