The Professional Firefighters Association of Midland (PFAM) hosted the annual Tall City Memorial Stair Climb and Benefit Concert on Sept. 7, honoring the 411 first responders who died in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks while raising funds to support local first responders. The two-part event featured a stair climb followed by a concert, bringing together community members and organizations.
The first part of the event, the Tall City Memorial Climb, took place at Astound Broadband Stadium. Participants ascended 110 floors, representing the World Trade Center towers. Both responders and community members from Midland and beyond participated, each wearing a badge with the name of a fallen 9/11 first responder.
Bagpipes were played during the memorial climb, accompanied by moments of silence, to mark the two specific times when the World Trade Center buildings were struck
“Many adults and children alike attend the event whom weren’t even born in September of 2001,” Bryce Pruitt, Event Coordinator for the Professional Firefighters Association of Midland (PFAM), told Midland Times. “The Midland Fire Department and many other departments have firefighters that were born after 9/11/2001. This serves as a memorial for those of us who can remember and a connection to the past for those who didn’t experience the tragedy. It makes it more than just something that any of us will read about in a history book.”
The Benefit Concert, the second part of the event, was headlined by country music artist Carly Pearce and was held at Downtown Centennial Park. Ticket proceeds went to local first responders. The funds will be used for health, wellness, and professional development initiatives through PFAM.
“The heart of this is to remember–but as time goes on, it’s as much of an educational experience as it is a memorial,” said Pruitt.
About PFAM:
The Professional Firefighters Association of Midland is a nonprofit focused on improving the well-being of Midland's first responders. Through community outreach and charitable efforts like the Tall City Memorial Stair Climb, PFAM supports those who serve to protect the city.
