Firefighters Climb Downtown OKC Building to Honor Firefighters Killed In 9/11

Around the country this weekend, many are paying tribute to the victims of the September 11 attacks. 

Today, hundreds of firefighters were in downtown Oklahoma City to go the distance to honor lives lost. 

110 floors for 343 souls. Each bell a reminder of a life taken 14 years ago.

"It's something that we want to do, to be able to honor that brother that when they got on that rig on 9/11, they didn't know it was going to be their last alarm," event coordinator Joe Russell said.

It's the fourth annual 110 for 343. Crews from across the Oklahoma met at the Chase Tower in downtown Oklahoma City, bringing firefighters, young and old, together.

They wear the name of a fallen brother in New York and they climb 1,100 steps. The exact same number in the former twin towers.

The elevators down provide a little rest. But make no mistake, it's a tough climb. Although, none of them will admit it.

"Just block out the burn in your legs and your lungs, I guess," said Aaron Mayhugh of the Muskogee Fire Department.

But 110 floors gives you time to think, to remember and to honor.

"An hour worth of suffering ain't nothing compared to what these people and their families went through and are still going through today," Mayhugh said.

A small price to pay to tell those that sacrificed so much to so many that they will never be forgotten.

The climb also helped to raise $15,000 for the Oklahoma Firefighters Foundation which helps the families of firefighters that have been injured or killed in the line of duty.