MORONGO CASINO RESORT & SPA (September 15, 2026) — On the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, more than 150 people gathered today at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa to honor the memory of the 343 FDNY firefighters and 414 total public safety personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice that day.
The Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, hosted by the Morongo Tribal Fire Department in partnership with Morongo Casino Resort & Spa and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, drew participants from across the region for a solemn, powerful tribute to the fallen.
Morongo fire crews in full turnouts and helmets joined fellow firefighters form area departments, fire science students and cadets, law enforcement officers, Morongo Casino team members, and the public as they ascended the stairwells at the 27-story Morongo Resort three times to simulate the 2,200 steps and 110 stories that FDNY firefighters climbed inside the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001.
The climb serves as both a tribute to those heroes and a fundraiser, raising over $10,000 for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), which provides grief counseling, financial assistance, peer support networks, and college scholarships to the families of firefighters who die in the line of duty.
“Twenty-five years later, we have a responsibility to ensure that the dedication, courage and sacrifice of the 343 firefighters, and all who were lost in the September 11th terrorist attacks, are never forgotten,” said Morongo Fire Chief Abdul Ahmad. “Today, every person who climbed those stairs carried the memory of those who were lost in their hearts. That is exactly why we do this.”
The morning began with a tribute video honoring the fallen New York firefighters as participants gathered, before the bagpiper’s call signaled the start of ceremony with an honor guard. Celebrated singer Mancini Perez performed the national anthem as uniformed personnel rendered salutes.
“Morongo has always believed in supporting the heroes who serve our communities,” said Morongo Casino CEO Mike Bean. “Seeing firefighters from across our region, local law enforcement, cadets, and members of the public come together side by side for this climb is a testament to the enduring strength of that spirit of service.”
The presence of fire science students and cadets was particularly meaningful, demonstrating how the legacy of those lost on September 11th continues to inspire a new generation of first responders.
“For many of us, 9/11 was the moment that led us to choose a career in public safety and the fire service,” said MFD Captain Ben Krone. “This event is our way of honoring that legacy, giving back to the families left behind, and showing that as a community — we will never forget.”
The event marked the third year that the Morongo Tribal Fire Department and Morongo Casine have hosted the memorial stair climb, building on a growing tradition of remembrance and community service.