Long before I started running, in another life (so it seems) I once considered myself a firefighter. In 2001 I was a Senior in High School. Like all boys in my grade, 9/11 shook home. Many kids from my school had parents that worked in NYC and the World Trade Center. After the tragedy, I had a yearning to be a real hero which sparked my desire to start a career in the fire service. It wasn’t until years later I started volunteering with a local company that I really learned what the ultimate sacrifice means. Not only does it involve your days, nights, weekends away from your loved ones, but doing this all with the cost of your life. Whether volunteer or professional, the fire service demands a level of respect that if not treated with care can come crashing down at a moments notice.

Way back when I had the honor and privilege of participating in a 9/11 stair climb. I honored the late John Santore (Ladder 5) and John Williamson (Battalion Chief, Battalion 6) FDNY. I honor these men every year, and all of the fire, police, and EMS of the NYC tragedy.

John Santore

John Williamson

I have nothing but profound RESPECT not only for the 343 men and women of the FDNY that made the ultimate sacrifice on 9-11-2001 but to all first responders. I could never be that great of a hero. God Bless each and every one of them, and God Bless America.