Firefighters honour 9/11 colleagues in climb

2 hours ago

Lucy ThorneSouth East

News image — Firefighters from across Kent flew to Atlanta to take part in the stair climb in memory of fire crews who lost their lives in 9/11

Ronni Cook Four firefighters in full kit each wearing the names and photos of a firefighter who died in the 9/11 attacks — Firefighters from across Kent flew to Atlanta to take part in the stair climb in memory of fire crews who lost their lives in 9/11

Firefighters from Kent flew to the US to climb 110 floors in full kit while carrying the names and photos of colleagues killed in the 9/11 attacks.

Crews from Maidstone, Chatham, Dartford and Westerham joined 343 UK firefighters at the memorial challenge in Atlanta.

Each represented one of the 343 New York firefighters who died in the attacks as they completed the climb in 37C heat and 78% humidity.

James Luckhurst, of Kent Fire and Rescue Service, said: "An added difficulty was the emotion that you were feeling, we were all carrying photographs of a firefighter that died in 9/11 and it was very poignant."

Among the firefighters was Ben Cook-Williams, who carried Jose Guadalupe's photo and noted the similarities between them, including shared pastimes and their age.

"No one came back from [Engine 54's] shift. It was the single biggest loss of life from his firehouse, all 15 of them died that day.

"It was really special to be able to walk in memory of him and represent his fire house in some way."

Ben Williams Three firefighters in their uniform pose for a picture. — Ben Cook-Williams (middle) headed out to the challenge in Atlanta

Luckhurst represented Captain Brian Hickey, of fire station Rescue 4, who was one of the first responders to the tower.

He explained Brian was a long-served New York fire department firefighter, who had only just returned from an injury.

Ronni Cook Firefighters climbing the floors at a stadium — Firefighters climbed 110 floors in temperatures up to 37C in Atlanta

Cook-Williams added: "This is an incredibly positive event born out of tragic circumstances.

"And we see that in any tragedy, it brings out the best in humanity.

"That's the important part to remember, which is why it was such an honour to take part with all our brothers and sisters from the States."

Ronni Cook Firefighters stand in front of a US fire truck — Kent firefighters meet colleagues across the pond and made lifelong friends during the challenge

The pair said they made lifelong friends at the event and helped raise more than £4,000 for the firefighting community.

Luckhurst added: "No matter where you do this job there is a bond, the jobs are slightly different but we're all taking the same chances.

"You are part of something much bigger."

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Kent on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.