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Hundreds honor fallen firefighters at Richmond 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

Posted at 2:16 PM, Sep 11, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-11 23:08:25-04

RICHMOND, Va. -- Hundreds gathered in downtown Richmond Sunday to honor the firefighters who died on September 11, 2001. The Richmond Fire Department hosted the 6th annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at the SunTrust Center.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe and the Secretary of Public Safety Brian Moran spoke during a ceremony before the climb.

Firefighters, led by McAuliffe and accompanied by supporters, went up 22 flights of stairs five times to honor those firefighters in New York City who climbed the 110-story twin towers.

The Freedom Flag Foundation also brought an actual piece of steel from Tower 1 of the World Trade Center.

Supporters who came out said the event is about remembering those who died on 9/11.

"I know we're all here to honor those who served that day and gave the last full measure of devotion. And we're here to finish the job that they didn't get a chance to,” Richmond Fire Department Chief Robert Creecy said.

"We respect you tremendously. I've personally worked hard to get money in the budget for you because I understand the work you do every single day. And on behalf on a grateful commonwealth, the greatest state in the greatest nation on earth, we thank you for what you do,” McAuliffe said.

Lauren Baust was there with her baby boy to support her husband, a lieutenant with the Richmond Fire Department.

"Just the fear of them going to work every day and not knowing what's going to happen. But they do it because they love it, and we support it as our family,” she said.

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