On Sunday, September 10, 2023 at 0900, The West Palm Beach Fire Department (WPBFD) will host its 5th Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. The climb will take place at 515 N. Flagler Drive. The West Palm Beach Fire Department 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is a way to honor and remember all the lives lost on September 11, 2001. Each participant will pay tribute to the lives lost by climbing 110 stories, which represents the height of the World Trade Center.

Half of the proceeds are going to Operation300 which is founded in honor of SOC Aaron Vaughn. Special Operations Chief (SEAL) Aaron Carson Vaughn was KIA on August 6th, 2011 when a chopper carrying 30 Americans was shot down in the Tangi River Valley of Afghanistan while rushing into battle. Aaron left behind 2 small children; a son who was not quite two years old and a daughter who was only nine weeks old on that fateful night. Aaron's story, life, and legacy inspired the creation of Operation 300. We believe that when a member of our Armed Services gives his life in defense of our great nation, the least we can do is pledge to honor that sacrifice by caring for his family. This is the heart behind Operation 300, a registered 501(c)3 not for profit organization that hosts weekend-long adventure camps for children who have lost their parent as a result of military service, pairing each child with a father-aged, male mentor who spends the weekend doing things with the children they might have done with their parent.

The rest of the proceeds will go to Pediatric Oncology Support Team, Inc. (POST), a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. POST is a psychosocial support team that provides free services to children with cancer and their families. They help children and families deal with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and are available 24 hours a day.

Join us as we honor the brave men and women who lost their lives on September 11th, 2001.