Memorial Stair Climb Committee

 US Team Assistant / Firefighter

When I was 12 years old, a 9/11 responder traveled all the way to Venezuela and visited my school. It was a rare, unexpected moment, almost as if it was meant to be. Hearing him speak was breathtaking, and I knew right then what I wanted to do at some point in my life if I had the chance.

​Originally from Venezuela, Jorge has called the UK home for the last 12 years and proudly joined the Fire Service two years ago. While he is honored to serve on the committee to support this incredible event, taking on the climb itself is what means the absolute world to him.

​Stepping up to do this climb is deeply personal. It’s his way of directly honoring the people who inspired his own path. Preparing for the event has completely redefined his approach to fitness, pushing his physical and mental limits far beyond what he ever thought possible. 

Jorge can’t wait to gear up, push his boundaries on the stairs, and stand shoulder to shoulder with his fellow firefighters for this unforgettable cause.

Team Manager / Firefighter

Caer is a firefighter with experience across military, local authority and aviation fire and rescue services, and proudly serves as Team Manager for the UK Memorial Stair Climb Team.

Throughout his career, Caer has developed a deep respect for the traditions, values and sense of family that exist within the fire service. The opportunity to play a part in commemorating the 343 FDNY firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001, is something he considers both a privilege and a responsibility.

For Caer, the significance of the Memorial Stair Climb goes far beyond the event itself. Behind every one of the 343 names was a firefighter, a colleague, a friend and a family who never got to welcome their loved one home.

Taking on the role of Team Manager is his way of giving something back and helping ensure that, 25 years later, their sacrifice continues to be remembered by firefighters from another nation who understand what it means to answer the call.

For Caer, this has never been about personal recognition. It's about remembrance, respect and doing his part to make sure the 343 are never forgotten.

We climb because they climbed. We remember because they cannot be forgotten.

US Team Assistant / Firefighter 

I have been a firefighter with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service for 11 years.  I was 22 years old when the 9/11 attacks happened, and like so many people, I’ll never forget that day. To be part of this event on the 25th anniversary is a genuine privilege. Standing alongside our American firefighting family to honour and remember the 343 firefighters who lost their lives is something that means a great deal to me, both personally and professionally.

I’m taking on this challenge to support the charities that look after the mental health and wellbeing of our blue light services. I come from a family of emergency service workers, including paramedics, police officers and firefighters.  Throughout my career, and within my own family, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that the pressures, trauma and responsibility of frontline work can have on those who serve. These charities provide vital support when it’s needed most, and this is my way of giving something back.

This is my why. ❤️

 Business Assistant / Firefighter

I worked in Business Assurance for PwC after graduating with a degree in Accountancy and a Post Graduate Diploma in Law. 

I joined Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service in August 2001. Less than two weeks later, whilst at training school, the events  of 9/11 brought home the reality of the career change. 

I'm climbing to demonstrate to the families and friends of the 343 firefighters who died that they will not be forgotten; that their bravery is recognised internationally.

Fundraising Manager / Firefighter 

My fire service journey began 10 years ago in Canada as a wildland firefighter before becoming an on-call firefighter. I returned to the UK and now serve as an on-call firefighter for both Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire FRS.

I was 9 years old when the 9/11 attacks ocured, and although I didn't fully understand the events at the time, they have always stayed with me. 

Since becoming a firefighter, I have gained a much deeper appreciation of the courage, sacrifice and selflessness shown by those who responded that day. I cannot begin to imagine the heartbreak experienced by their families, friends and colleagues. 

Showing my respect for those affected is something I am incredibly proud to do, which is why I am honoured to be able to joining  the climb in America.

 Host – The Firefighters Podcast 

Pete Wakefield is the creator and host of The Firefighters Podcast, a leading platform sharing the voices, experiences, and lessons of frontline responders, military personnel, industry experts, and operational leaders. Since launching in 2019, the show has released over 400 episodes, reached 900,000+ listeners globally, and continues to grow as a legacy resource for the fire and rescue community.

With over 18 years of operational service in the UK Fire & Rescue Service now as a Watch Commander, Pete has also been a proud member of the UK International Search and Rescue (UKISAR) team. He is an experienced instructor across multiple disciplines including fire behaviour, tactical ventilation, and road traffic collision, helping to develop the next generation of firefighters both in the UK and beyond.

Pete leads The UK PINK Firefighters a group focussed on raising awareness and funds for breast cancer in their signature PINK, MSA, HAIX & GORE-TEX fore kit. Pete is a passionate, dedicated athlete having won multiple gold medals at competitions around the world and in uk including the British and Welsh firefighter challenges. Pete is an experienced speaker and history now hosting all UK firefighters challenges and also the BLUE LIGHT SHOW in London in 2025

He’s been featured on SAS: Who Dares Wins, demonstrating his mental resilience and physical capability under pressure.

From incident debriefs examining firefighter fatalities to interviews with global thought leaders, Pete’s mission is simple: to inform, inspire, and support those who serve building a resource that endures for generations to come with the firefighters podcast and having a truly unique career along the way.

Assistant / Firefighter

Stuart, better known as Dusty, joined the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service in 2014 and is now an operational Watch Commander based up in the North of Scotland.

Dusty is often found climbing large stones, swimming in big ponds or carrying out essential 'fire behaviour' training in the sauna!

Although, he doesn't take himself too seriously, the stair climb is something that holds a lot of importance to him. The fire service has always felt like a wider family, one that stretches far beyond individual stations, services or countries, and the events of 9/11 are a powerful reminder of the bonds that connect firefighters across the world.

Taking part in the climb is Dusty's way of paying respect to the 343 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice that day, honouring their courage, service and memory, and standing alongside the wider fire service family to ensure they are never forgotten.

Assistant / Firefighter 

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Assistant / Firefighter 

I’ve only been in the service since 2024, but my interest in firefighting started when I moved to Hertfordshire in 2021 and noticed my local on-call station.

Meeting my partner, a dedicated paramedic, inspired me even further. Seeing the difference she made for people pushed me to apply, and from the moment I joined, I was hooked.

I’ve always enjoyed keeping fit, but the service gave me a new reason to challenge myself and get more involved.

So when I saw the opportunity to take part in a stair climb in memory of fallen firefighters, I didn’t hesitate.

To honour their sacrifice and be part of something so significant is an incredible privilege — and something I’ll never forget

Assistant / Firefighter

I joined Devon (now Devon & Somerset) Fire & Rescue Service in 2006, and I’m currently a Watch Manager and instructor at the Service’s Training Academy, where I specialise in breathing apparatus and firefighting training.

The fire service has been a huge part of my life, so being given the opportunity to take part in the 25th Anniversary Memorial Stair Climb means a great deal to me. Like many firefighters, the events of 11 September 2001 and the sacrifice of the 343 firefighters who lost their lives that day have always stayed with me.

For me, climbing 110 floors is about far more than the physical challenge. It is a chance to remember, reflect and pay tribute to those firefighters who went into the towers while so many others were trying to get out.

I’m incredibly proud to represent Devon & Somerset alongside firefighters from across the UK and Ireland, and to play a small part in making sure the courage, sacrifice and legacy of those lost on 9/11 are never forgotten.