The Steinbach Fire Department marked the 24th anniversary of 9/11 with a powerful tribute Thursday by hosting its first-ever stair climb.
Assistant Fire Chief Russ Reimer was the one who pulled the idea together, inviting firefighters from across the province to climb the equivalent of the World Trade Center steps. The challenge, walking the height of six floors, plus two more, symbolized the climb first responders made that tragic day in 2001. The event took place in the north stairwell of the Steinbach Credit Union building.
Reimer said he wasn’t sure how many people would show up, but he was blown away by the turnout.
“Yeah, I love it,” he said, looking over the crowd. “We got firefighters from Brandon, Winnipeg, RM of Tache, Hanover, St. Malo, St. Pierre, St. Agathe… It’s really, really cool. We never actually had any sign-ups or commitments. We just put it out on social media, and it’s exploding. There are people everywhere.”
He added that beyond the fitness, the day was about reflection and support.
“Bystanders are clapping, handing out water, putting money in the boot to donate to firefighter mental health. That’s what it’s all about, reminding people who we are as first responders. Even a simple ‘Hi’ fills up our tank to keep going.”
Fire Chief Kel Toews echoed that, saying the climb was tough but meaningful.
“I think it’s great that so many departments came out from all over Manitoba, not just our local firefighters,” said Toews. “It’s much appreciated, and hopefully this shines a light on mental health in the fire service and EMS in general.”
For Toews, the memories of September 11 are still vivid.
“I was at work when I heard. At first, I didn’t believe it. Then I went home and watched on TV, and it hit home,” he said quietly. “It’s a reminder this job can be dangerous in a second.”
The event also drew families and supporters from the community, including Sue, whose son Seth just joined the Steinbach Fire Department after graduating from the Fire Academy in Texas this spring. Watching him take part in his first 9/11 tribute left her full of emotion.
“Oh, I’m about to burst into tears. I’m very proud of him,” Sue said, her voice breaking. “He’s my youngest out of four kids, and he just loves people. He felt led by the Lord to be a firefighter, and he wants to give back to his community.”
She remembered the original 9/11 vividly as well.
“I was living in a farmhouse near Blumenort. I had the TV on and sat bawling my eyes out, watching it all happen live,” she recalled. “It just made us appreciate every single day.”
Nearby, Colleen, another bystander, shared her reasons for coming out. With family working as paramedics in Winnipeg, she said the event hit close to home.
“I think it’s wonderful that they are recognizing and remembering all the lost lives,” she said. “Back in 2001, I was at home crying in my bed, and I went to pick up my kids from school right away. It felt like the world changed instantly; it wasn’t safe anymore.”
For her, showing up was about solidarity.
“I just need to support and show these firefighters and everyone else involved that no one forgot,” Colleen said. “It affected all of us.”
Despite the rain, the day was filled with clapping, cheering, and quiet moments of reflection.
Reimer hinted this won’t be the last time Steinbach sees an event like this. “With it being brand new, I’d say it’s only going to grow bigger,” he said with a smile.
He adds, you are welcome to continue supporting the firefighters by making a donation to their Firefighters' Mental Health Awareness Program.
@steinbach_online #SteinbachFireDepartment hosted a 9/11 Stair Climb today at SCU. #mentalhealthawareness #September11 #firefightermentalhealth ♬ original sound - SteinbachOnline