Story on page 14.
- Fire News photo by Dan Pempel
In this issue...
Vacant Dwelling Goes Up In Marion
On March 7, 2025, Station 1, Engine 9, and Tanker 6 were dispatched to the 100 block of Elkton Drive for a structure fire.
See story on page 4
Burke Townhouse Fire Snuffed
Fairfax’s bravest operated on scene of a townhouse fire in 10100 block of Wood Green Way in Burke.
See story on page 5
Thompson Road
House Fire
Cumberland County dispatched Randolph District, Cumberland and Farmville for a smoke-in-the-attic call.
See story on page 12
Albermarle East End Chimney Fire
Units from Albemarle County Fire Rescue responded to a chimney fire in the County’s east end.
See story on page 18
Brush And Structure Fire On Pot Rock Road
Galax crews operated at a brush fire with structure threatened on the 1600 block of Pot Rock Road.
See story on page 26
Obituary
Fairfax County’s Barry Maham
See story on page 38
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pages 7-10
Vacant Dwelling Goes Up in Marion
At 1301 on March 7, 2025, Station 1, Engine 9, and Tanker6 were dispatched to the 100 block of Elkton Drive fora structure fire. C1, DC1, Quint 1, Engine 1, and Medic 1 responded along with the mutual aid companies. Chief 1 arrived to find a single-story, singlefamily vacant dwelling well involved with a live powerline on the ground on side Alpha. Quint 1 arrived and stretched a 150-foot preconnect and took a defensive strategy. Engine 9 arrived and
established a watersupply by laying 500-feet of five-inch supply hose from a nearby hydrant. Once the main bulk of fire was knocked down, crews entered and searched forvictims, which proved negative. All remaining fire was extinguished and foam was applied. There were no injuries. All companies operated forapproximately 2-1/2 hours before returning to service.
- Submitted by Brett Miller
Burke
Townhouse Fire Snuffed
8 Displaced in Suffolk Duplex Fire
Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to the 100 block of Bute Street for a reported residential duplex building on fire. Emergency Communications dispatched the incident at 1151 on March 2, 2025. Battalion 1 arrived to find smoke showing at the rearof the building. While Engine 2, Ladder3 and Rescue 1 searched the building, Engine 1 found active fire in the first-floorduplex and crawl space. All occupants evacuated priorto arrival of firefighters. The fire was placed undercontrol at 1301. Heavy fire damage occurred to the first-floorduplex and moderate smoke damage occurred to the second-floorduplex. There were no injuries but eight adults were displaced. The cause and origin of the fire was underinvestigation by the Suffolk Fire Marshal’s Office with Fire Marshal 7 leading the investigation. - Photo courtesy of Suffolk FR
Fairfax’s bravest operated on scene of a townhouse fire in 10100 block of Wood Green Way in Burke. Units arrived to fire showing from the second floorof a middle-unit townhouse. All occupants safely evacuated priorto the fire departments arrival. Crews quickly brought the fire undercontrol preventing damage to surrounding homes. Crews remained on scene hitting hot spots and conducting overhaul operations. Fire investigators were working to determine the cause of the fire. Thank you to City of Fairfax Fire Department fortheirassistance. - Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR
Crosspointe 2-Alarmer
On February 22, 2025, at 0448, Fairfax County Fire Rescue responded to a two-alarm house fire in the 9200 block of Cross Oaks Court in the Crosspointe area. Units arrived to heavy fire and smoke coming from a single-family home. With all occupants safely out of the home, crews began aggressively attacking the fire. Asecond alarm was requested and firefighters transitioned to defensive operations from outside the home. Crews continued to extinguish hot spots and perform overhaul operations. Fire investigators were working to determine the cause. Thank you to Prince William County Fire and Rescue System and City of Fairfax Fire Department fortheirassistance. - Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR
2-Alarm 6-HourLandfill Fire
Suffolk Fire and Rescue (SFR) responded fora reported brush fire in the area of Route 58/Portsmouth Boulevard at the Downtown exit. Emergency Communications dispatched the incident at 0313 on March 2, 2025. Engine 3 located a fire in the 100 block of Bob FoellerDrive at 0326 by identifying smoke and fire visible from the top of the landfill. The location of the fire was remote and in an area away from a watersupply. Due to the lack of a waterat the top of the landfill and the amount of work required to place lines into service, a second alarm was declared. Crews established a watersupply at the base of the landfill and shuttled waterto the top. SFR coordinated and worked with crews from the landfill to suppress all active fire. The fire was placed undercontrol at 0932. The fire was deep seated and residual smoke was visible forseveral hours. No injuries were reported. SFR crews cleared the scene at 0952. Forty-five firefighters worked this incident. Responding units included Car2, Car10, Battalion 1, Engine 3, Engine 1, Engine 2, Engine 6, Rescue 1, Rescue 6, Brush 1, Brush 7, Brush 8, Tanker 1, Safety 1, and Rehab 6.
- Photos courtesy of Suffolk FR
Thompson Road House Fire
Cumberland County dispatched Randolph District, Cumberland and Farmville on January 25, 2025, at 1615, fora smoke-in-the-attic call on Thompson Road in Cumberland. Lieutenant 405, who saw the fire on his way to the firehouse, reported residents were out of the house but heavy smoke was coming out of the attic on the B and D sides. Farmville Engine 1 attacked the fire on the Aside; Randolph Engine 42 laid into Farmville as did and Cumberland 23. Randolph and Farmville vented the roof on the C side with two cuts and the fire was brought undercontrol at 1722. - Fire News photos by Dan Pempel
Thaw Makes forRough Going at CarterRoad Fire
On February 13, 2025, temperatures rose, melting some five inches of snow, and causing some 60 percent of the residents to lose power due to trees down on wires. At 1045, Prince Edward Dispatch received a call of a generatorfire next to a house on CarterRoad. Darlington Heights, Hampden-Sydney, Farmville and Meherrin were dispatched. Afew minutes latera call went out fora fire in a double-wide home. Darlington Heights advised all incoming units
the main road was closed with trees and live powerlines down and rerouted the units. Darlington Heights was first on the scene and while driving up a hilly tract became stuck in the mud. Otherunits set up a dump pond on the road and stretched 300-feet of four-inch line; otherlines were also stretched up the hill. The house was fully involved on arrival, but the fire was brought undercontrol in about 45 minutes.
- Fire News photos by Dan Pempel
Residential Structure Fire in Suffolk
Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to the 100 block of Church Street fora morning residential structure fire. First crews arrived to find heavy smoke and fire in the rearof the structure. With all occupants safely out, the fire was extinguished at 0853. The home sustained smoke and fire damage, and the American Red Cross assisted the displaced occupants.
- Photos courtesy of Suffolk FR
Albemarle FR Responds to Residential Fire on Gelletly Road
On February 8, 2025, at 1300, units from Albemarle County Fire Rescue responded to the report of a chimney fire in the 2700 block of Gelletly Road. Units arrived 10 minutes afterdispatch to smoke visible from the eaves of the single-story residential structure. It was discovered that the fire was not contained to the chimney and had extended to the attic space. Units were able to extinguish the fire in the attic space that had escaped the chimney, however, due to the damage the fouradults and three children were displaced and received assistance from the Red Cross. - Photo courtesy of ACFR
White Oak Area Blaze
Alittle after2200 on March 4, 2025, Stafford County Fire Rescue units responded fora reported structure fire on YendorWay, nearBelle Plains Road in the White Oak area. First arriving units reported a large, detached metal building well involved with fire. Crews worked quickly and brought the fire undercontrol in less than 10 minutes. The building was unoccupied. The fire was underroutine investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office. Units were assisted on scene by the Fredericksburg Fire Department. - Submitted by Katie Brady
5
Injured at Fairfax Garage Fire
Fairfax County firefighters operated on the scene of a two-alarm house fire in the 8300 block of Ivy Green Road in the Crosspointe area. Initial calls reported a fire in an attached garage. Upon arrival, units encountered heavy fire conditions with fire rapidly spreading. Asecond alarm was called and crews worked to extinguish the fire. Five civilians were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Fire investigators were working to determine the cause of the fire. Thank you to ourmutual aid partners fortheir assistance: Prince William County Fire and Rescue System and City of Fairfax FD. - Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR
Little Fork Assists at Brush Fire
On March 13, 2025, Little Fork was dispatched to assist Fauquier County on a brush fire located nearthe intersection of Springs Road and Holtzclaw Road in Warrenton. They responded with Gator9 and Utility 9 and assisted with creating a fire line around the fire. - Photo courtesy of Little Fork FR
Early Morning Blaze in Vienna
On February 27, 2025, at approximately 0115, Fairfax County units responded to reports of a house fire in the 300 block of Blair Street NWin Vienna. Units arrived to heavy fire showing from the single-family home. Crews immediately began working to extinguish the fire and ensure all occupants were out. One dog was removed from the home and one civilian was transported. Thank you to the City of Fairfax Fire Department fortheir assistance. - Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR
Albermarle East End Chimney Fire
Careerand volunteerunits from Albemarle County Fire Rescue responded to a chimney fire in the County’s east end, which required extensive interiorand exterioroperations.
- Submitted by Logan Bogert
Fire AfterMVA Between Sedan and Tractor-Trailer
Fairfax County firefighters operated at the scene of a vehicle fire as a result of a crash on Interstate 66 westbound, priorto Nutley Street. Crews arrived to find a tractor-trailerand a sedan collision. There was fire coming from the tractor-trailer. All lanes of I-66 west were closed while units worked to extinguish the fire. One occupant was transported with non-life-threatening injuries.
Barn Fire Deadly forAnimals
- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR
Just before 0900 on January 10, 2025, Stafford County Fire Rescue units were dispatched fora structure fire on the 200 block of Hollywood Farm Road. Units arrived to a detached barn, with fire which had already burned through the roof. Crews extended lines, bringing the fire undercontrol in approximately 20 minutes. Due to a lack of hydrants in the area, rural wateroperations were utilized. No residents of the neighboring home were injured, howevermultiple small farm animals including sheep, goats and chickens died in the barn. The Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire was accidental in nature, related to a heating device.
- Submitted by Katie Brady
KellerMVARequires Extrication and Multiple FDs
On February 8, 2025, multiple departments were instructed by the Eastern Shore 911 that reports were coming in of multiple patients trapped and one of the vehicles was a propane bobtail truck which was leaking. AWachapreague Ambulance quickly requested a special response from Onancock forRescue 9. Multiple units were called to suppress flammable vapors during the extrication as there was no hydrant system nearby. Personnel responded from Melfa, Wachapreague, Painter, Onancock, Parksley, Exmore, Nassawadox, Accomack County DPS, the Eastern Shore Regional Hazmat Team and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. Maryland State Police Trooper4 was also requested foran injured patient. It took nearly an hourto extricate the heavily entrapped patient from the vehicle. and the incident took over eight hours to mitigate. - Submitted by Mike Rydberg
1 Extricated at Chesterfield MVA
Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to Otterdale Road and Gamecock Road for a reported MVAwith entrapment. Crews arrived to find a single vehicle into a tree with smoke showing. Afterfurtherinvestigation, crews found one person trapped in the vehicle and were quickly able to extricate the person, who was then transported to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. - Fire News photos by CFN Media
Galax, Independence Tackle Brush Fire
Galax Fire Department (GFD) firefighters operated at a winddriven brush fire with structures threatened recently on the 3900 block of Pleasant Grove Road. Mutual aid came from Independence VolunteerFire Department. Handlines were quickly stretched to protect the structures. Crews went to work installing handlines on each flank. GFD landed 21 firefighters in five apparatus. Aftera 2-1/2 hourfight in rough terrain and 30-mph winds, the fire was brought undercontrol. Always great working with our Independence VolunteerFire Department brothers.
- Photos courtesy of Galax FD
Choptank Road House Fire Displaces 6
Just before 1940 on February 15, 2025, Stafford County Fire Rescue units responded fora structure fire on Deene Court nearChoptank Road. First arriving units marked on scene in less than five minutes and confirmed smoke coming from the front of a single-family residence, with heavy fire coming from the attic and basement on the side and rearof the structure. Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire, which was brought undercontrol within 15 minutes. During a search of the structure, crews rescued two cats. Both cats
were subsequently revived and turned overto theirowners. All occupants were evacuated priorto the arrival of fire units. Two residents were transported to a local hospital to be evaluated. Five adults and one juvenile were displaced. The residents were being assisted by the American Red Cross. The fire was under investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office.
- Submitted by Katie Brady
Little Fork Responds to Trauma Incident
On March 11, 2025, Little Fork volunteers were dispatched to a trauma incident nearLee Highway. The patient was transported to the Jeffersonton Baptist Church and then flown to the trauma centerin Fairfax. Medic 9, Ambulance 9-1 Rescue Engine 9 and Chief 9 responded to this late afternoon incident.
- Photo courtesy of Little Fork FR
All Good at Briar Creek Drive Fire
-
Fairfax firefighters operated at a house fire in the 8400 block of BriarCreek Drive in the Wakefield area. Units arrived to smoke and fire showing from the rearof the home. All occupants were out on firefighters’arrival. The cause was underinvestigation by officials.
Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR
Abandoned House Fire Starts Brush Fire
Lincolnia House Fire
Cumberland VolunteerFire Department was toned out at 1415 on March 9, 2025, fora brush fire on the 3100 block of Cumberland Road, about three miles from Cumberland’s firehouse. They received a second call saying a junked carwas also on fire nearthe abandoned house. Dispatch toned out Randolph and Cartersville, as well as State Forestry fora bulldozer. The fire spread fast and Cumberland cut a fire line to stop the spread. The vacant house was a total loss. Forestry used the dozerto cut a large line around the fire, which was brought undercontrol in about one hour. The abandoned house was a total loss. - Fire News photos by Dan Pempel
On February 18, 2025, at 1912, Fairfax County units responded to a house fire on the 5100 block of Clinton Road in the Lincolnia area. Units arrived to smoke showing from the single-family home. Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire and ensure all occupants were safely out. Two civilians were transported and fire investigators were working to determine the cause of the fire. Thank you to they Fire Department of the City of Alexandria fortheirassistance.
- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR
On February 12, 2025 at 0845, the Hampton Division of Fire and Rescue responded to a residential structure fire located in the 600 block of Willow Oaks Boulevard. When fire apparatus arrived, they reported heavy smoke and flames coming from a middle-of-the-row condo. The residence sustained heavy fire and smoke damage throughout rendering it uninhabitable. During fire suppression, a male occupant was found inside the residence and was provided lifesaving interventions on scene. He was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Due to the rescue and progressive fire growth, a second alarm was ordered. The fire was controlled in under20 minutes with approximately 15 residents displaced. The American Red Cross was assisting 5. The Fire Prevention Branch and Fire Marshal’s Office was investigating
- Photo courtesy Hampton Division of Fire
Brush and Structure Fire on Pot Rock Rd.
Galax crews operated at a brush fire with structure threatened on the 1600 block of Pot Rock Road. Arriving units found an exterior fire that extended into the residence and adjacent woodlands. The fire took overthe attic and left two rooms of the residence. The Engine 2 crew made an aggressive interiorpush in high heat and zero visibility bringing the fire undercontrol in 10 minutes. Hillsville and Carroll County were requested formutual aid. Galax and Hillsville brush units, along with Virginia Department of Forestry went to work cutting a containment line in 15 minutes. Extensive overhaul was required with units remaining on scene for anotherhour. Thanks to Fries Fire and Rescue forcovering! Thanks also to Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Twin County E-911, and American Electric Power-AEPfortheirassistance.
- Photos courtesy of Galax FD
Boat Fire in Hampton
Albermarle Vacant Building Fire
Careerand volunteerunits from Albemarle County Fire Rescue responded to a residential structure fire in a vacant building off Seminole Trail. No injuries were reported from the incident.
- Submitted by Logan Bogert
Fire crews responded to a boat fire in the 30 block of Charlton Drive recently. The boat was in the back yard of the property and the fire did not extend to the home; no injuries were reported.
- Photos courtesy of FM A. Chittum, Lynn Cherry, and Hampton Fire Rescue
Brush Mountain Fire Stopped
The Brush Mountain Fire in Roanoke and Craig counties was considered fully contained on March 23, 2025, according to the Virginia
Division of Forestry and U.S. Forest Service personnel. Some 482 acres were burned before containment. - Photos courtesy of VADOF
Stafford Garage Fire
Just after0730 on January 9, 2025, Stafford County Fire Rescue (SCFR) units were dispatched fora reported building fire along Bent Creek Court. Units arrived on scene approximately five minutes laterand found a two-story, detached garage fully involved, with two residences endangered. Crews quickly extended lines to extinguish the fire and protect the exposed residences from furtherdamage. Both homes sustained minordamage but could be reoccupied. The occupants of the residence were able to evacuate priorto the arrival of SCFR units. The fire was underroutine investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office.
- Submitted by Katie Brady
CraterRegional Hazmat Team Provide a Hazmat Decon Demonstration
Hopewell Fire and EMS and Office of Emergency Management (OEM) hosted the first CraterRegional Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meeting at the Hopewell Moose Lodge. Members of the CraterRegional Hazmat Team were onsite and provided a hazmat decon demonstration forattendees. Partnerships like this are critical to building regional coordination and response capabilities
- Photo courtesy of Hopewell Fire & EMS
VDFPSupports Annual SAR Forum
Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) Special Operations and Logistics Divisions supported the 19th Annual Maritime Search and Rescue Forum. This is a weeklong event with various maritime search and rescue (SAR) training opportunities that is then completed with a large-scale final exercise. This collaboration was with Port of Virginia and United States Coast Guard. The final exercise was a rendition of the “Miracle on the Hudson,” the Hudson River(NY) landing of US Airways Flight 1549 aftera bird strike, in which there were no fatalities. VDFPsupported the exercise with Mobile Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting Training Simulator 1. Forty agencies, made up of law enforcement and fire departments from across the Commonwealth of Virginia and otherstates participated in the week-long event. - Photos courtesy of VDFP
Sunday Morning Joint Training Downtown
Crews from Station 4 Rescue 1 and Engine 4 headed downtown Sunday morning fora joint training session with Station 1 crews: Truck 1, Engine 1, Engine 2, Medic 1, and Battalion 1. The focus of the training was Stoke’s basket operations and using Truck 1 as an artificial high directional. Afterreviewing and familiarizing themselves with the equipment on Rescue 1 and Truck 1, crews ran a scenario involving the attachment of the Stoke’s basket to Truck 1 forthe simulated movement of a patient manikin to a saferlocation.
Station 4 is home to ourcity’s Technical Rescue Team, with members specially trained in a wide range of rescue disciplines including passengerand heavy vehicle extrication, rope rescue, confined space, trench, water, towerrescue, structural collapse, and man-versus-machine incidents. These ongoing trainings ensure our teams are always ready to respond with skill and confidence.
- Photos courtesy of Portsmouth FR
VDFPSupports Caroline Recruit Academy
The Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) Special Operations, forthe first time, supported Caroline County Recruit Academy 2 with a PassengerVehicle Awareness, Operations and Technician program during a recruit academy on March 3-4, 2025. - Photos courtesy of VDFP
Little Fork FFII Train on LPGFires
On March 9, 2025, Little Fork FirefighterII students and instructors conducted training involving liquefied petroleum gas, which included its use, storage and emergency response procedures. This training is part of theirFirefighterII curriculum. Furthermore, students are required to complete the Virginia Department of Fire Programs Hazmat Awareness and Operations training. They applied everything they had learned during the practical training session. - Photos courtesy of Little Fork FR
Graduates of Recruit
Academy 19 from Stafford County
Norfolk Fire Rescue’s Zapolsky Retires
Norfolk Fire Rescue wishes to congratulate ChristopherZapolsky on his retirement after22 years of dedicated service. Good luck in yourretirement and thank you foryourservice. YourNFR family wishes you all the best! - Photo courtesy of Norfolk FR
Sound the Alarm Campaign with Albemarle and Red Cross
Albemarle County Fire Rescue and the American Red Cross (Central Virginia Chapter) joined forces on March 1, 2025, for the “Sound the Alarm” campaign which ensures homes have working smoke alarms at no cost. Teams installed 29 smoke alarms, replaced 13 batteries, and helped 56 residents stay safer in theirhomes. - Submitted by Logan Bogert
- Submitted by
Katie Brady
Join Us forthe 5K Race to Extinguish Cancer!
Lace up your running shoes and get ready to make a difference! The Firefighter Cancer Support Network invites you to participate in the Captain Geroge L. Sission 5K Race to Extinguish Cancer on May 24, 2025, at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax, VA.
Captain Sission was a Fairfax County Firefighter who on May 20, 2020, lost his life after his valiant battle against occupational lung cancer. This powerful event is dedicated in George’s honor and will raise awareness and support for firefighters and their family’s battling cancer.
This event isn’t just about crossing the finish line - it’s about standing together in support our heroes who are battling occupational cancer. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a first-time participant, or simply want to walk in solidarity, your involvement will help provide critical resources, education, and assistance to those affected by cancer.
Proceeds from the race will directly benefit the Firefighter Cancer Support Network’s mission to support firefighters diagnosed with cancer through mentorship, awareness programs, and essential services.
How You Can Participate:
• Run or Walk: Sign up and join us in person for the 5K.
• Donate: Every dollar counts; support the cause even if you can’t race. Together, we can make an impact. Let’s honor our firefighters, spread awareness, and take steps-literally-toward extinguishing cancer.
Register today at: www. bit.ly/Sisson5K
Make a Donation: www.bit.ly/Sisson-FCSN.
- Submitted by Steve Weissman
Save the Date: FCSN Virginia Golf Tournament Set
The Virginia Chapter of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) is excited to announce the upcoming FCSN Virginia Golf Tournament, a premier golf outing dedicated to supporting firefighters battling occupational cancer. Mark your calendars for September15, 2025, as we gather for a day of golf, camaraderie and fundraising for a critical cause.
This tournament will once again take place at the Lee’s Hill Golf Center in Fredericksburg Golfers of all skill levels are invited to join us for a day of friendly competition.
Proceeds will go directly to FCSN programs, which provide assistance, education, and resources to firefighters diagnosed with cancer.
Stay tuned for more details, including sponsorship opportunities and registration information. For inquiries or to get involved, contact Steve Weissman at sweissman@fcsn.net
We look forward to seeing you on the green and making an impact together!
- Submitted by Steve Weissman
And Just in Time forThe Fourth …
The Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office recently conducted annual permissible fireworks testing.
The 2025 Virginia Permissible Fireworks list will be available soon.
- Photos courtesy VDFP
Fairfax County’s Barry Maham
With deep sadness, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department announces the Line-of-Duty Death of Captain Barry Maham on March 31, 2025, from occupational cancer.
Captain Maham was hired as a firefighter in 1999 and served with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCFRD) for 25 years. He was a dedicated member of the department’s Urban Search and Rescue Team, deploying to disasters both locally and around the world. He recently retired to focus on fighting the recurrences of cancer.
Captain Maham was an exceptional leader, mentor, and friend. He served the department with unwavering dedication that no doubt will have a lasting impact on the department and community.
His commitment to helping others extended beyond FCFRD. He volunteered with Veterans Fishing Adventures, a nonprofit dedicated to taking disabled veterans on free fishing trips.
Abeloved and respected member of FCFRD, Captain Maham was surrounded by a strong network of family and friends. There is no doubt that he touched many lives, he will be greatly missed.
The men and women of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue extend our deepest condolences to Captain Maham’s familywife, Amber, and children Bryce (wife Samantha and son Maverick), Makayla, Makenna, Brittian, and Trevor as well as extended family, friends, and anyone whose life he touched.
1STANNUALNEWJERSEY9/11 MEMORIALSTAIR CLIMB: HONORINGAND SUPPORTINGHEROES IN SUPPORTOFTHE NFFF
The New Jersey community is coming together to honor the brave heroes of September 11, 2001, with the inaugural New Jersey 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. This heartfelt event will take place on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the iconic MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Participants and observers alike are invited to join in this unique tribute, with all proceeds benefiting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF).
The NFFF’s mission is to honor and remember America’s fallen fire heroes, to provide resources to assist their survivors in rebuilding their lives, and work within the Fire Service Community to reduce firefighter deaths and injuries.
The stair climb is more than just a physical challenge; it is a moving remembrance of those who selflessly served on
that fateful day. Participants will ascend the equivalent of 110 stories, symbolizing the height of the World Trade Center, while paying homage to the firefighters and first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice.
David Russell, President and Principal of Fire & Safety Services, expressed the significance of this event, stating, “The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is a powerful reminder of the courage and commitment of our firefighters and first responders. It’s our duty to honor their legacy, and through this event, we not only remember them but also support the families left behind.”
Together, we can ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.
- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR
