Photos: 2,300 participants at the 9/11 stair climb at Lambeau Field

“It's emotional. It's a grueling event. It's hard on the legs, but I think the moment you ring the bell you forget all that and it brings you back to the reason you're here. There's a great cause behind it and it's a great tribute. Hopefully it gives something back to those who lost loved ones on that terrible day,” Walesh said.

She has been involved almost since the event's conception and is happy to see its continued growth.

“When I started this climb, there were only a few sections. In recent years, they've opened it up to the full bowl, so it's really impressive to see the whole stadium full of climbers. They've also added a spectator area, so it's great for people who really want to enjoy the moment, but there's also a sort of cheering section for people who are nearing the end of the climb,” Walesh said.

The Green Bay Metro Fire Department is assisting with marketing the event and also handles logistics.

Chad Miller, who works at Pierce and is a member of the Greenville, Wisconsin Fire and Emergency Services Department, helps bring the trucks to Lambeau Field and monitors the climb to ensure the safety of the participants.

“I think it's about 'never forget.' Everyone always remembers. We made a commitment to never forget the 343 fallen firefighters. You see that growth every year and that commitment to those fallen firefighters,” Miller said.

He also said that the NFFF had performed miracles in climbing stairs and their help was unimaginable.

The department with the most donations was the Menominee-Ingallston Fire Department of Delta County, MI. They have raised over $3,000 so far and more donations are expected.

The most successful fundraising team was a couple from Mountain, Wisconsin, John and Donna Kneely. They raised more than $5,000 in honor of Lt. Kevin W. Donnelly, a Ladder 3 firefighter who died in the North Tower. The Kneelys have a unique connection to Donnelly – they had a brief conversation with Donnelly as they descended from the North Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11th.