Firefighters Will Converge on Greenbelt for 9/11

The 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center is less than a month away, and firefighters from across Prince George’s County are preparing to converge on Greenbelt to honor the 343 New York City firefighters who were lost in the tragedy.

Firefighters participating in the national 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb will go up and down the stairs in the Maryland Trade Center high-rise at 7500 Greenway Center Drive, carrying the photograph and biographical sketch of a firefighter who was lost that day.

The climbing will continue, with many in full gear and others with rescue dogs, until they’ve scaled the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center towers in New York City, according to a press release by Mark Brady, Prince George’s County Fire Department spokesperson.

Although the event is reserved for firefighters, the public will also get the chance to pay tribute in a 3-mile run/walk, designed to equate to 110 stories.

• 7 a.m.: Registration starts for the events. Participants can also register early for the stair climb or register early for the run/walk.

• 8 a.m.: A ceremony of remembrance takes place. 

• 9:05 a.m.: Both events start, at the Maryland Trade Center.

• Following the events: The Greenbelt Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad has invited participants to a reception at its firehouse in Greenbelt.

Editor's Note: This story has been corrected. An earlier version incorrectly provided information about the number of firefighters being honored at the tribute. We regret this error.