Remembering 9/11

Saturday was both a physically and emotionally draining day for Daniel Dreyer as he and hundreds of other firefighters and first responders remembered those lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Dreyer, 47, a captain with the Morgan City Fire Department, participated Saturday in the New Orleans 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at 400 Poydras Tower.

He’s been a firefighter with the fire department for 27 years. This year was his second time to participate in the climb.

“You shed a couple tears before and a bunch after,” Dreyer said of the experience.

Dreyer was among 411 first responders from across the United States and other parts of the world who ascended 110 floors, the height of the former World Trade Center Twin Towers, a new release said.

Three hundred forty-three firefighters died during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Participants in the climb receive a picture of a first responder who died in the attacks and wear that picture on a lanyard while they climb.

Dreyer carried photos of New York City firefighters Donald Regan and Manuel Del Valle Jr. He had also carried Regan’s photo last year.

Memorializing those fallen first responders helps people to not forget about their sacrifices, Dreyer said. The climb also honors the 60 law enforcement officers and eight emergency medical technicians who died day, a news release stated.

Dreyer completed the climb in one hour and 26 minutes in 60 pounds of gear, including a breathing apparatus. Dreyer improved on his time of an hour and 51 minutes from 2017.

“More than 40 Memorial Stair Climb occur every year across the country, and I wanted an event here in New Orleans, so we could do our part to memorialize our fallen brothers,” said Neil Navarro, event director and a Jefferson Parish firefighter, in a news release.

“It is a humbling experience and intense reminder of the sacrifice, dedication, and commitment required of those who serve and protect our communities,” Navarro said.