Local firefighters gear up and climb stairs in memory of fallen comrades
Above, Johny Brophy (left) and Geoff Brophy (right) take the climb in full gear.
August 19, 2015
Charlea Mills
A number of local firefighters across the county participated in the annual stair climb to honor the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11. Their participation served as a stark reminder of what the men who gave their lives to save others went through on one of the most tragic days in our nation’s history.
Scott Brophy, deputy chief of the Butterfield Fire Department, participated in the climb along with two of his sons, Geoff and Johny, and a number of other firefighters from departments in Barry County. This year, the climb took place at Echo Holler at Silver Dollar City, who sponsored the event, and all of the proceeds were donated to the families of the 343 who died.
To honor the firefighters and raise money, firefighters and anyone who wants to contribute, walk the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. Each of the firefighters puts on their gear and climbs, regardless of conditions, to remember the sacrifice of those brave people.
Brophy said, “I’ve always wanted to do the stair climb, and two of my boys were able to join me this year. I’m glad that my sons came with me to do this for the first time.” For the prior two years, the Springfield event was held at Hammons Field where the Springfield Cardinals play. By allowing Silver Dollar City to host, more of the funds generated could be donated to the families of the fallen firefighters. It is anticipated that Silver Dollar City will continue to host the event in the future.
Memorial Stair Climbs have become a growing trend to draw attention to the memory of the 343 firefighters. This year, the speaker for the event was Captain Michael Dugan, a 27-year veteran of the Fire Department of New York. The moving words of Capt. Dugan put the entire event into perspective for those who showed up to take those tedious steps strapped with gear.
Brophy said, “It really impacted me quite a bit. But to actually walk that like they did, it made you really think.”
He added, “When we walked the stairs, there were so many firefighters that we were shoulder-to-shoulder. It was packed.”
Brophy explained that each of the firefighters were assigned an ID of one of the 343 firefighters to wear while they walked. After each five flights, the men were required to take a break. Each of the firefighters who had someone climbing for them would have their name announced over the speaker, they would ring the bell once in memory of them and they shook Capt. Dugan’s hand.
Firefighters from other fire departments, including Cassville and Eagle Rock-Golden-Mano, were also at the climb. Brophy’s son Geoff volunteers with Butterfield. Johny is with the Seneca Fire Department but volunteers with Butterfield when he is in town and also helps with training.
When asked if he plans to participate again, Brophy replied, “Absolutely.”
Charlea Mills
A number of local firefighters across the county participated in the annual stair climb to honor the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11. Their participation served as a stark reminder of what the men who gave their lives to save others went through on one of the most tragic days in our nation’s history.
Scott Brophy, deputy chief of the Butterfield Fire Department, participated in the climb along with two of his sons, Geoff and Johny, and a number of other firefighters from departments in Barry County. This year, the climb took place at Echo Holler at Silver Dollar City, who sponsored the event, and all of the proceeds were donated to the families of the 343 who died.
To honor the firefighters and raise money, firefighters and anyone who wants to contribute, walk the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. Each of the firefighters puts on their gear and climbs, regardless of conditions, to remember the sacrifice of those brave people.
Brophy said, “I’ve always wanted to do the stair climb, and two of my boys were able to join me this year. I’m glad that my sons came with me to do this for the first time.” For the prior two years, the Springfield event was held at Hammons Field where the Springfield Cardinals play. By allowing Silver Dollar City to host, more of the funds generated could be donated to the families of the fallen firefighters. It is anticipated that Silver Dollar City will continue to host the event in the future.
Memorial Stair Climbs have become a growing trend to draw attention to the memory of the 343 firefighters. This year, the speaker for the event was Captain Michael Dugan, a 27-year veteran of the Fire Department of New York. The moving words of Capt. Dugan put the entire event into perspective for those who showed up to take those tedious steps strapped with gear.
Brophy said, “It really impacted me quite a bit. But to actually walk that like they did, it made you really think.”
He added, “When we walked the stairs, there were so many firefighters that we were shoulder-to-shoulder. It was packed.”
Brophy explained that each of the firefighters were assigned an ID of one of the 343 firefighters to wear while they walked. After each five flights, the men were required to take a break. Each of the firefighters who had someone climbing for them would have their name announced over the speaker, they would ring the bell once in memory of them and they shook Capt. Dugan’s hand.
Firefighters from other fire departments, including Cassville and Eagle Rock-Golden-Mano, were also at the climb. Brophy’s son Geoff volunteers with Butterfield. Johny is with the Seneca Fire Department but volunteers with Butterfield when he is in town and also helps with training.
When asked if he plans to participate again, Brophy replied, “Absolutely.”