For Fire Departments Participating in the Movement
Fire Department FAQs
Everything your department needs to know about For the 343: how to participate, how participation is tracked, and how to lead the movement in your community.
›What is #ForThe343?
A nationwide movement, by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, inviting every American to help finish the heroic climb of the 343 FDNY firefighters who gave their lives on 9/11. This year, the 25th anniversary of 9/11, together, we honor the 343 and every firefighter who has made the ultimate sacrifice.
›Why are fire departments being invited?
Fire departments are trusted community leaders. Your invitation can inspire citizens to turn remembrance into action and carry the legacy of the fallen forward.
›What are we asking our community to do?
Invite everyone to climb one or more flights, record them through Climb One Flight Now at forthe343.org, share their tribute, and challenge three others. Every flight joins the nationwide total.
›Tell your community, why we climb and ask them to join.
On September 11, 343 FDNY firefighters climbed the World Trade Center towers to save others. Each flight climbed today symbolically helps finish their heroic climb and honors all firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
›Do participants need to climb all 110 stories?
No. Climb one flight, several flights, or all 110. Every step counts.
›How can our department participate?
Climb together at your station, in a stairwell, on stair-climbing machines, or anywhere you choose. Invite your firefighters, families, and community to join or participate wherever they are.
›The Department climbs at a gym. How do we enter a department or group climb?
Select Climb One Flight Now at forthe343.org, upload a group photo, choose Group on the share page, and enter the number of participants and flights climbed by each. Your entire effort is added to the nationwide total at once.
›What if we participate in an Official 9/11 Stair Climb?
Amazing! Add those flights. Your local event can become part of the nationwide total while inviting citizens who cannot climb all 110 flights to participate anywhere.
›How is participation tracked?
Through Climb One Flight Now, participants enter their flights, city, and state. Every flight is added to the nationwide total and interactive map, showing America climbing together.
›How do we share the challenge?
Use the sample posts and scripts across social media, email, newsletters, websites, and word of mouth. Share forthe343.org or the campaign QR code, and encourage every member of your department to help spread the invitation.
›How do participants share their tribute?
From Climb One Flight Now, share directly from your phone to major social media platforms or send it by text or email. Challenge three others and use #ForThe343 to keep the movement growing.
›What if someone cannot climb stairs?
They can walk, run, bike, roll, share a 9/11 memory, thank their local fire department, honor a fallen firefighter, or donate. Every sincere act of remembrance matters.
›Can we honor our own fallen firefighters?
Of course. This movement is to honor all fallen firefighters. Having your community honor one of your own is the perfect use of the movement.
›Is participation free?
Yes. Participation is free. Donations to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation are optional and support Fire Hero Families, remembrance, education, and firefighter safety.
›Where do we begin?
Visit forthe343.org and download a participation kit, which will give you updates on your state’s participation and find an Official 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, select Climb One Flight Now, donate, and access campaign resources.
For the 343 · Fire Department Kit FDK v4.00 · Climb One Flight for the 343 · #ForThe343