Georgetown first responders honor 9/11 victims and families

15 years have passed but no one has been forgotten the tragedy on September 11, 2001 and first responders in Georgetown are making sure of it with their annual Memorial Stair Climb.

"We made a commitment to never forget. Each step that we take in honor of these people represents a life that was lost. In fact every five steps that we climb represents one fire fighter lost. Every physical step that we take represents at least two lives that were lost that faithful day," Chief John Sullivan, of the Georgetown Fire Department, said.

The climb allows fire fighters and police officers from across Central Texas the opportunity to honor the almost 3,000 people who were killed, including many fire fighters and police officers. Dozens of first responders climbed the equivalent height of the World Trade Center towers, while wearing full gear.

"This is just a small part of what we can do to pay tribute to them. Every physical step that we take pales in comparison to the pain and suffering that they gave. I can recall my last flight of stairs that I did today and while it was grueling, it had nothing to do with the pain that they went through, the fear that was in their hearts and their minds as well as their families," Chief Sullivan said.

For fire fighter Clint Gray the tribute also brought unity.

"You can see the guys really come together. A lot of hugs, a lot of high fives, a lot of handshaking. Once a year is not too much to ask to get everybody to come together and you really can feel everybody in the moment and that to me is really great," Gray said.

A unity that Chief Sullivan hopes will fuel the souls of those still fighting.

"September 11th is more than just losing lives, it's the sacrifices that were made and the unity that was brought forward as a country. We can't lose sight of that unity because together we're going to continue to fight the terrorist attacks and the mass causalities that are occurring every single day not only in our country but across the world," he said.