Participants climbed stairs representing the 110 stories of the World Trade Center towers that first responders ascended on Sept. 11, 2001.

"Today we gather not just to climb stairs, but to climb with a purpose," an organizer told the crowd before the event began. "Each step we take is a tribute to the 343 firefighters, 60 law enforcement officers, 8 emergency technicians and thousands of civilians who lost their lives."

Henrico County Fire Chief Jackson Baynard said the climb, which is organized by the Metro Richmond Flying Squad, provides an opportunity for reflection.

"Take that moment of quiet reflection while you're climbing," Baynard said. "Take that moment before you climb to take a look at the people to the left and the right of you and share that common bond that we don't want

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