Salina Prepares for 3rd Annual Central Kansas 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb and 5K Family Fun Walk

The Salina Fire Department is gearing up for the 3rd Annual Central Kansas 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb and 5K Family Fun Walk, “Steps of Hope,” to be held on Sunday, September 29, at the Kansas Wesleyan University campus. This poignant event will take place at JRI Stadium in the Graves Family Sports Complex and offers a unique opportunity for Salina residents and others across Kansas to come together in remembrance of the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001.

The event, which honors the FDNY firefighters who lost their lives on that tragic day, also serves a dual purpose this year by partnering with the Love Chloe Foundation. A portion of the proceeds will go to this local foundation, which supports families facing childhood cancer by providing financial aid and raising awareness. Both the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and Love Chloe are 501(c)(3) organizations, ensuring that donations will directly support these vital causes.

In addition to the stair climb and walk, participants and attendees can look forward to “Live from The Lot,” an entertainment event hosted by Long McArthur Ford. The gates for this post-climb celebration will open at 4:00 PM, featuring live music and other festivities in support of the NFFF. Another significant event leading up to the climb is the “Evening to Always Remember,” which will be hosted by Great Life Salina at their Golf & Fitness center on September 11. This evening event offers a chance for community members to reflect and remember the heroes of 9/11 while enjoying an evening of camaraderie and support.

“This event isn’t about competition,” said a press release from the Salina Fire Department. “It’s about our entire community—including firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, families, and friends—coming together to honor and remember those who served and sacrificed on that day. Each participant will carry the name badge of one of the 343 fallen firefighters, making this a deeply personal and meaningful experience for everyone involved.”

The event will begin with a “Tribute to Heroes Memorial Service” at Fire Station 1, located at 222 W. Elm Street, at 8:00 AM on September 11. Later that evening, the community can participate in the “Evening to Always Remember” from 6:00 – 9:00 PM at Great Life Golf & Fitness. Admission to this evening event is $10.00, with a cash bar available. Martinelli’s Little Italy will provide the food, and Tony Bowell will provide music for your listening pleasure.

The Salina Fire Department, along with its community partners, invites all civic leaders, first responders, and citizens to join in this important event, which promises to be a day of reflection, unity, and hope. Pre-registered participants will receive a complimentary 9/11 Stair Climb / Family Fun Walk t-shirt to commemorate their involvement in this year’s event.

For more information or to register for the event, please visit the official event website or contact the Salina Fire Department.