Knoxville, Tennessee, September 13, 2025
News Summary
East Tennessee commemorated the heroes of September 11 with a Memorial Stair Climb at Smokies Stadium. Participants honored fallen first responders by climbing the equivalent of 110 stories, carrying their names. This annual event also aims to educate younger generations about the significance of 9/11 and the sacrifices made by emergency personnel. The community raised nearly $1 million for the Freedom Engine, which replaced a fire engine lost in the attacks, underlining the lasting impact and remembrance of that tragic day.
Knoxville, Tennessee – East Tennessee honored the heroes of September 11 with a Memorial Stair Climb event at the newly opened Smokies Stadium. This annual event brings together community members and first responders to remember the sacrifices made by firefighters and other emergency personnel during the tragic attacks in 2001. The stair climb sees participants ascend the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center, while honoring the fallen by carrying their names on their uniforms.
Significantly, East Tennessee made a notable contribution to the memory of 9/11 victims shortly after the attacks, donating nearly $1 million to purchase the “Freedom Engine,” which replaced one of the many fire engines lost during the crisis. This fire engine served in Harlem, responding to hundreds of emergency calls for nearly a decade before it was retired in 2013. Veteran firefighter John Jacovina, who was part of the crew at Ground Zero during the recovery, frequently reflects on its importance and the role it played during those crucial months.
The Knoxville 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is designed not only to honor the memory of those who lost their lives on that fateful day, but also to educate younger generations who may not have firsthand memories of the events. Many participants, such as ROTC students, had not yet been born when the attacks took place. Captain Brad Elliott of the Knoxville Fire Department has been a driving force behind the stair climb since its inception, advocating for a continued commitment to remembering the events of 9/11.
This year, the event also saw participation from Ethan Tompkins, a Knoxville firefighter, who shared a unique connection to 9/11, as it is also his birthday. Tompkins emphasized the importance of honoring fallen heroes and expressed that his journey to becoming a firefighter stems from a family tradition of service. His commitment to the stair climb is a personal dedication to the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice and the families they left behind.
Firefighters from various local departments, including Rural Metro Fire, took part in the climb, with representatives like Jeff Bagwell stressing the importance of remembering the sacrifices made during the 9/11 attacks. The event fulfills the community’s pledge to “Never Forget” the courage and bravery exhibited by first responders on that day.
The Memorial Stair Climb serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity to honor and remember the sacrifices made by individuals on September 11, 2001, ensuring that the stories of these heroes continue to inspire future generations.
Key Features of the Event
- Event Name: Knoxville 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
- Location: Smokies Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee
- Purpose: To honor the heroes of 9/11 and educate younger generations
- Total Funds Raised: Nearly $1 million for the Freedom Engine
- Years in Service: The Freedom Engine served Harlem for almost ten years
FAQ
What is the Memorial Stair Climb?
The Memorial Stair Climb is an event held annually in Knoxville, Tennessee, to honor the first responders who lost their lives during the September 11 attacks, allowing participants to climb the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center.
How much did East Tennessee donate for the Freedom Engine?
East Tennessee donated nearly $1 million to help purchase the Freedom Engine after the 9/11 attacks.
Who participates in the Memorial Stair Climb?
Participants include first responders, community members, and students, some of whom were not born at the time of the attacks.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Knoxville 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb |
| Location | Smokies Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee |
| Purpose | Honor 9/11 heroes and educate newer generations |
| Total Funds Raised | Nearly $1 million |
| Years the Freedom Engine Served | Nearly ten years |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Knoxville Community Remembers Robert J. Abel, Jr. and William R. New, III
Knoxville Honors 9/11 Victims with Annual Stair Climb Tribute
Additional Resources
- WATE: 9/11 Memorial Events in East TN
- Wikipedia: September 11 attacks
- WBIR: First Responders Honor Fallen Heroes
- Google Search: September 11 heroes
- Knox TN Today: Never Forget 9/11
- Encyclopedia Britannica: September 11 attacks
- WATE: 24 Years After 9/11
- Google News: 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
