By Cheyenne County Community Center
SIDNEY, Neb. — Twenty-five years after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Sidney Volunteer Fire Department firefighter Stephen Tuma climbed in memory of those who never came home.
Tuma completed a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb on Friday, Sept. 11, using a stair climber at The Training Room fitness facility in Sidney.
The climb honored the 343 firefighters who died responding to the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, along with law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel and others who lost their lives that day.
"Today, I participated in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in remembrance of the 343 firefighters who tragically lost their lives while doing the profession they loved," Tuma said.
Tuma completed the climb in his firefighting gear, using the physical challenge as an opportunity to remember the first responders and civilians whose lives were lost 25 years ago.
"I climbed not only for those brave firefighters, but also for the law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, and all the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice and never got the chance to go home to their families," Tuma said.
His climb was one part of a day of remembrance by Sidney firefighters. The Sidney Volunteer Fire Department also planned a Sept. 11 tribute near the former Cabela's corporate offices, displaying a ladder truck and American flag.For Tuma, the anniversary remains about remembering the people behind the numbers.
"Twenty-five years later, we still remember," Tuma said. "We still honor. We still carry their names and their sacrifices with us."He added: "Today, I climbed for every life that was lost on September 11, 2001.”