JACKSON, Wyo. — On Wednesday, Sept. 11, hikers walked up Snow King Mountain in tribute to the first responders who lost their lives on 9/11. The many steps it took to reach the top of Snow King represented the 110 stories of the World Trade Center.
The Jackson Hole Fire/EMS Memorial Hill Climb’s motto “Never Forget” honored the 343 New York Fire Department firefighters, 37 Port Authority police officers, 23 New York Police Department officers and eight Emergency Medical Services workers who will always be remembered as heroes. The annual Snow King Hill Climb also paid homage to the growing list of first responders who have died from complications following the rescue and recovery efforts.
Jackson Hole Fire/EMS handed out badges to participants, with each badge representing a different first responder who lost their life that day. Buckrail’s Caroline O’Neill joined the climb, carrying the badges of Gregory Sikorsky and Richard R. Moore, and said it was an emotional experience.
“I wore my New York City Fire Department (FDNY) baseball hat and thanked Jackson Hole Fire/EMS volunteers for organizing the tribute,” O’Neill said. “I’m from New York, my cousin works in the FDNY, my mom and aunt are trauma nurses in the city and my mom was there on 9/11. It was really nice to participate in such a unique memorial that captures the local spirit and also honors all those that lost their lives.”
During the ascent, hikers were given water at the sign marking “110 floors.” According to O’Neill, lots of first responders participated in the hike, wearing full uniform and gear.
As people descended Snow King, some rested at the “110 floors” sign in reflection. The Jackson Hole Fire/EMS Department collect badges at the bottom. Participants were given a T-shirt and pizza.
