Climbing for Courage, Mitchell Junior Firefighters Honor 9/11 Heroes at Cahokia Mounds

GraniteCityGossip.com, September 14, 2025

All photos courtesy of the Mitchell Fire Rescue

On the evening of September 11, the junior firefighters of the Mitchell Fire Department took part in a powerful act of remembrance, participating in the Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at the historic Cahokia Mounds. This solemn event, held each year across the country, honors the 343 firefighters and thousands of others who lost their lives during the attacks on September 11, 2001.

With grit and grace, these young heroes climbed the mound a minimum of eleven times, symbolizing the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. Their dedication was more than physical, it was emotional, symbolic, and deeply moving. As the sun set over the ancient earthworks, their footsteps echoed a promise: We will never forget. We will always remember.

The junior firefighter program at Mitchell Fire Rescue is more than a training ground, it’s a tradition rooted in service, mentorship, and community pride. Young men and women aged 15 to 17 learn essential firefighting skills, assist senior members at community events, and grow into the kind of leaders we all hope to see in our neighborhoods.

To the Mitchell Fire Department and especially its junior team: thank you. Your commitment reminds us that heroism isn’t reserved for the front lines, it’s nurtured in firehouses, practiced in training, and lived out in moments like these.

If you or someone you know is between 15 and 17 and wants to be part of something meaningful, stop by Station #1 or Station #2 on Wednesday evenings from 6–8 PM, or call the station weekdays between 7 AM and 3 PM. You can also learn more and apply through Mitchell Fire Department’s official application page.

Let’s continue to support and celebrate these young heroes—because they’re not just climbing stairs. They’re lifting all of us.