9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Planning Team
Scott Hewson
Lead Organizer
Scott “Scotty” Hewson is a husband, father, veteran, and dedicated firefighter with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, where he has proudly served for over 15 years. Before joining the fire service, he spent 12 years in Army Aviation, travelling the world and building a lifelong commitment to public service and adventure.
Driven by passion, energy, and a deep respect for the global firefighting community, Scotty’s journey took a powerful turn in 2015 when he joined the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in Georgia, USA an event hosted by the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund. That experience sparked lasting international friendships and a renewed dedication to honouring the fallen heroes of 9/11.
In 2023, Scotty returned to the memorial climb this time with his entire watch of 15 firefighters. Together, they joined hundreds of others at the Atlanta Braves stadium in a moving display of unity, remembrance, and solidarity. That moment inspired a bold vision: to lead 343 UK firefighters in the 25th anniversary stair climb in September 2026, paying tribute to the 343 FDNY firefighters who gave their lives on 9/11, as well as the fallen of the UK fire service.
From that vision, United 911Climb was born a movement grounded in the values of international brotherhood and sisterhood, shared sacrifice, and unwavering respect among first responders. With an unshakeable belief in the power of unity, Scotty continues to bring people together across borders, forging new history while honouring those who gave everything.
Join him in climbing 110 floors, in full fire kit, shoulder to shoulder with our American brothers and sisters.
Olivia Lofts
Olivia Lofts
Olivia Lofts
Organizer (Accommodation and transport manager)
Hi, I’m Liv! I’ve been working in aviation for six years, with experience across military, private jets, air ambulance, and now commercial aviation. I’m currently a Flight Operations Controller for TUI Airways, where I help manage the day-to-day flying operations for the five Group airlin
Organizer (Accommodation and transport manager)
Hi, I’m Liv! I’ve been working in aviation for six years, with experience across military, private jets, air ambulance, and now commercial aviation. I’m currently a Flight Operations Controller for TUI Airways, where I help manage the day-to-day flying operations for the five Group airlines, alongside an incredible team in our Airline Operations control room.
Since meeting my partner Barnaby, I’ve been lucky enough to attend all of his firefighter challenges and events. From Liverpool to Portsmouth to Cardiff. Meeting so many inspiring men and women along the way has made me incredibly proud to cheer you all on.
When Scott approached me for some guidance, I knew this was something special. I wanted to give back to the amazing firefighters who keep us safe every single day, and I absolutely promise to help make this the trip of a lifetime and I will be cheering every single one of you on from the sidelines in the stadium.
I’ve taken on the role of Transport and HOTAC Manager, which means I’ll be handling flights, hotels, visas, transport, and part of the sponsorships. So if you need anything related to travel or accommodation, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Barnaby Long
Olivia Lofts
Olivia Lofts
Assistant organizer
Hi, I'm Barnaby, a firefighter with Capita Fire and Rescue (CFR), currently based at Wattisham Flying Station. My journey in the fire service began five years ago as an on-call firefighter with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. Since then, I’ve transitioned into aviation firefighting—a path I’ve truly loved every step
Assistant organizer
Hi, I'm Barnaby, a firefighter with Capita Fire and Rescue (CFR), currently based at Wattisham Flying Station. My journey in the fire service began five years ago as an on-call firefighter with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. Since then, I’ve transitioned into aviation firefighting—a path I’ve truly loved every step of the way.
In 2024, I took part in my first firefighter challenge season, and from that moment on, I’ve been driven to push myself harder and aim higher. It’s been an incredible experience of growth, both physically and mentally.
Now, I’m deeply honored and excited to be working alongside Scott to help bring his dream to life. Representing UK fire services in this memorial climb, marking the 25th anniversary of that tragic day, is a privilege I hold with immense pride.
Pete Wakefield
Pete Wakefield
Pete Wakefield
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+ lis
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.
Rob W
Pete Wakefield
Pete Wakefield
Assistant Organizer
Rob is a serving wholetime firefighter and owner of Rock Breakers Rescue Club. Over his career Rob has been fortunate to travel the UK and abroad working with different fire and rescue services, seeing first hand, how far the sense of community reaches as a member of a firefighting organisation.
This sense of collective
Assistant Organizer
Rob is a serving wholetime firefighter and owner of Rock Breakers Rescue Club. Over his career Rob has been fortunate to travel the UK and abroad working with different fire and rescue services, seeing first hand, how far the sense of community reaches as a member of a firefighting organisation.
This sense of collective belonging, lead to the formation of the Rock Breakers Rescue Club, an apparel company with the goal of representing the first responders that dedicate their careers to saving lives from Fire to Sea and everything in between.
Rob, like many firefighters who have gone on to join the fire service, remembers vividly, the images of FDNY firefighters entering the towers on that fateful day, displaying a level of dedication and courage that immortalised and epitomised what it means to wear the uniform across the globe.
Rob believes that there has never seen a greater example in the history of firefighting that sums up the Rock Breakers Rescue Clubs slogan: “for those who step out, to bring others home” than the actions displayed by the FDNY’s response on 9/11, and the ultimate sacrifice made by the 343. Rob and RBRC are incredibly proud to be supporting the 25th anniversary memorial climb and helping to lead the team to the US to take place in this landmark event to honour the fallen.
Elizabeth Grey
Elizabeth Grey
Elizabeth Grey
Assistant Organizer
I hold a background in Criminal Justice, Legislation, and Intelligence. Following the completion of my master’s degree, I commenced work as a researcher for Hampshire constabulary; however, I found myself seeking an active and adventurous role.
In 2021, I joined the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service an
Assistant Organizer
I hold a background in Criminal Justice, Legislation, and Intelligence. Following the completion of my master’s degree, I commenced work as a researcher for Hampshire constabulary; however, I found myself seeking an active and adventurous role.
In 2021, I joined the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and am currently based at Cosham Red Watch. While on maternity leave in 2024, I joined Scott and the rest of the Cosham Red Watch team to participate in the memorial stair climb in Atlanta — an incredibly meaningful experience that I felt privileged to be part of.
I look forward to an even more impactful event next year.
William Ringler
Elizabeth Grey
Elizabeth Grey
Recruitment Assistant
Hello, I am Will, I am a father to two beautiful girls. I am also a firefighter for London Fire Brigade., Currently based at Richmond Fire Station. My fire service career started in Scotland back in 2018 where I served at Nairn Fire station on retained duty before moving back to South England in Jan 2020. During covi
Recruitment Assistant
Hello, I am Will, I am a father to two beautiful girls. I am also a firefighter for London Fire Brigade., Currently based at Richmond Fire Station. My fire service career started in Scotland back in 2018 where I served at Nairn Fire station on retained duty before moving back to South England in Jan 2020. During covid I supported and worked for the NHS ambulance service for 4 years. I joined LFB in Jan 2024 and became competent in July 2025. I am very passionate about the fire service due to my grandfather being a station commander in Scotland and I wanted to follow his footsteps. I have passion and dedication in supporting the fire community at a global stage. This is why I am excited to have joined the team here at Memorial stair climb. I am driven to help UK Firefighters make this special occasion in 2026 a true reality.