GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – Green Bay students participated in a unique way to never forget.
High School students were not born yet when the country became a victim of the 911 terrorist attacks, but that did not stop them from paying respect for the 343 firefighters who lost their lives in the rescues.
Autumn Dickie helped organize the 4th annual bleacher climb at Green Bay West High School.
“Students feel that it is so important to remember and honor and never forget how they paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
Some even wore full firefighter gear while walking.
Junior Alex Knutson says it hits home to him because he has firefighters in his family.
“I am looking to be a fourth-generation firefighter and firefighting has always been an interest of mine so I started looking into it.”
Alex says while wearing the gear, he quicky realized how hot the firefighters must have been while climbing.
“I am just standing here and I am sweating.”
Sophomore Aiden Chaudorr also tried the walk with the extra weight.
“It is a lot heavier, a lot hotter and a lot more challenging.”
Both students feel it is a good way to honor the fallen.
The event was supposed to take place on the football field bleachers but rain changed that.
“Outside we usually have them run 11 times, which is 1/10th of what the firefighters did on 911, but inside we just had them run for 20 minutes,” Dickie said.
Shauna Walesh of the Fire Department says the day hits close to home.
“It is kind of scary because when we take this job we know that we are put at risk every day and those firefighters took that risk and never came home.”
She added that they participate to help give the students the experience.
“To think that those firefighters made it 78 floors with all that gear is incredible.”
The climb went on throughout the day as students did it during their normal phy-ed class time.
