“Never Forget”: Imperial Valley Honors 9/11 Heroes with Annual Stair Climb
IMPERIAL — The Imperial Valley 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb marked its 12th year on Saturday, September 6 at the Imperial Valley Fairgrounds, once again bringing the community together to honor the lives lost in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks while paying tribute to local first responders.
This year’s event exceeded expectations, drawing 619 registered participants, an increase from last year’s turnout of about 400. The climb, organized by the Imperial Valley 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Committee, included firefighters, law enforcement, EMS personnel, and community members of all ages.
Committee President Robert Amparano said the support has been remarkable.
“We were nervous leading up to the day, but like always, it exceeded our expectations,” Amparano said. “The turnout was incredible, and it shows that the Imperial Valley hasn’t forgotten.”
among the attendees was assembly member Jeff Gonzalez who participated in the stair climb “Thank you to the IV 9/11 Committee and the first responders in attendance for your unwavering dedication, joining us in honoring the heroes we lost on September 11th, 2001. Your service and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.” Gonzalez said on a social media post
A Personal Connection to 9/11
For Amparano, the event is deeply personal. He recalls watching the attacks unfold from his hospital bed after surgery in 2001.
“It affected everybody in one way or another, and to forget that would be tough,” he explained. “Some of the fire, EMS, and law enforcement personnel we work with here in Imperial County remind us of the sacrifice made that day. That’s why we do this every year — to make sure we never forget.”
The stair climb recreates the 110 flights first responders climbed in the World Trade Center, but the Imperial Valley version adapts to include everyone. Participants could either climb the fairground steps or walk the track to complete their tribute. Many firefighters and first responders completed both.
The opening ceremony included a saxophone performance of the national anthem by Logan and Gavin Suma, an invocation by Pastor Vince Brooks, and remarks from Imperial County Sheriff Fred Miramontes, who praised the community for keeping the memory of 9/11 alive.
“Today and every day we must remember and honor the remarkable courage and selflessness showed by so many,” Sheriff Miramontes said.
The event remains open to the public, with no fee required to attend. Registration fees only cover commemorative shirts and lanyards, and proceeds help fund scholarships and the construction of a permanent 9/11 memorial at the fairgrounds.
Long-term memorial
The committee has been steadily working toward building a permanent memorial site at the fairgrounds. Progress includes a completed back wall, dirt work, and the flagpole, with hopes of finishing within the next one to two years depending on funding. Engineering and construction support have come from local companies Rove Engineering and DC Engineering.
“We promised the community a memorial, and we’re working hard to deliver it,” Amparano said.
Looking Ahead: First-Ever Public Safety Gala
In addition to the stair climb, the committee announced it will host the first-ever Imperial Valley Public Safety Gala on October 3, recognizing outstanding firefighters, law enforcement officers, and EMS personnel nominated from across the county. The gala will be open to the public, with ticket sales supporting the committee’s nonprofit efforts.
“I was honored to have represented FF David Arce from the FDNY who made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11. This is a great event to remember those who lost their lives on that day including the innocent victims, NYPD and EMS personnel. Also, thank you to the El Centro Firefighters association for sponsoring me, I appreciate you guys.” Said Ray Romero- Captain/Paramedic El Centro Fire Department
“This is our way of giving back and honoring the men and women who protect our community every day,” Amparano said.
The message of the event remains clear year after year: the tragedy of September 11, 2001, and the sacrifices made by first responders will not be forgotten in the Imperial Valley.
“This is a family event,” Amparano emphasized. “Bring your kids, bring your loved ones — because remembering 9/11 is something all of us should share.”