CSC Honors the Brave with 9/11 Stair Climb

by Shelby Westinghouse

Chadron State College ROTC, students, faculty and staff joined the Chadron Fire Department to face the daunting task of climbing High Rise ten times at the Stair Climb Remembrance Event. The climb was held Sept. 11, 2025, to honor those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, symbolizing the 110 stories climbed by first responders up the Twin Towers.

To further shine a light on those who fought and gave their lives on 9/11, the fire department displayed an American flag hanging from the top of a fire truck ladder.

“Each step we take is to honor those who took their final steps that day,” said Andrew Hunt, CSC assistant professor of military science. Hunt began the remembrance with a quick speech, followed by statistics from the tragedy. “It’s about the people who ran toward danger so others might escape,” proclaimed Hunt.

Participants could be seen walking, running and carrying fire equipment up the steps, as they remembered and reflected. Joleigh Simpson, CSC junior, is a volunteer fire representative. She attended the event dressed in firefighter gear to simulate what the first responders wore in 2001.

Simpson said she took part in the event to pay respects to the people fighting for the country. She mentioned that it impacts her on a deeper level, being in the volunteer fire department and seeing how people risk their lives daily.

Another student had a different but equally meaningful perspective on the event. Brock Tines, a freshman at CSC, said that it’s a powerful thing to have so many people gather to support and remember. “It shows community. It shows that we are thankful for their service that they had the grit to get through it and not back down from fear,” said Tines. After praying for the group, he added, “There are sad times, but we need to stick together and recognize that there is victory.”

Porter Anderson, CSC alum and residence life assistant director, could also be seen hustling up High Rise. With his backpack strapped and music in his ears, Anderson completed the challenge, smiling and encouraging other participants even when the climb became difficult.

Though 24 years have passed since the tragedy, CSC continues to honor the brave. The 110 flights equal the number of stairs first responders climbed that day, but nothing compares to the sacrifices made.