Brand Joins Nationwide Movement Honoring the 343 New York City Fire Department Firefighters Lost on September 11, 2001COSTA MESA, Calif. (September 9, 2026) –
5.11®, the global innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear, today announced its partnership with the
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) in support of
#ForThe343, a nationwide movement inviting Americans to honor the 343 New York City Fire Department (FDNY) firefighters who gave their lives on September 11, 2001, as well as the firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the years since.
As an official #ForThe343 Tribute Partner, 5.11 is supportingNFFF and using its platforms and community to help raise awareness and encourage participation in the campaign as the nation approaches the 25th anniversary of September 11.
For more than two decades, the NFFF’s 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs have brought firefighters and communities together to climb 110 stories—the height of the World Trade Center towers—in tribute to the 343 FDNY firefighters who died in the line of duty on September 11.
This year, NFFF is expanding that tradition through #ForThe343, giving people across the country an opportunity to participate regardless of where they live or whether they can attend an organized stair climb. Participants are encouraged to climb the equivalent of at least one flight of stairs, share a photo or video on social media using #ForThe343, and challenge three others to continue the tribute.
The movement is already gaining significant momentum. According to NFFF, participants have collectively climbed more than 100,000 flights of stairs in honor of the campaign, with participation continuing to grow ahead of September 11.
“5.11 has always had a deep connection to the first responder community, and supporting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and #ForThe343 is incredibly meaningful to our entire organization,” said Will Ayres, Vice President of Professional Sales. “Twenty-five years later, we have a responsibility to continue honoring the courage and sacrifice of the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on September 11, as well as those who have made the ultimate sacrifice since. We hope to use the strength of the 5.11 community to help carry their memory forward and inspire even more people to step up, participate and ensure we never forget.”
The #ForThe343 campaign builds upon NFFF’s longstanding 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb tradition. More than 115 official Memorial Stair Climbs are taking place nationwide, including events in major markets and at landmark venues across the country. For the first time, however, participation extends far beyond organized events, allowing anyone to honor the fallen from a firehouse, gym, workplace, neighborhood or home.
“At the NFFF, we believe remembrance is a shared responsibility, and we are proud to have 5.11 stand with us in honoring our fallen heroes and ensuring they are never forgotten,” said Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. “As we mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11, their support is helping us carry that promise of remembrance across the country and inspire people everywhere to join the #ForThe343 movement. Together, we can honor the courage, sacrifice, and legacy of the 343 FDNY firefighters who gave their lives on September 11, one climb at a time.”
5.11’s support of #ForThe343 reflects the brand’s longstanding commitment to serving and supporting first responders and the communities they protect. Through its partnership with NFFF, 5.11 is helping amplify a simple but powerful call to action: climb, remember and challenge others to do the same.
Those unable to climb can participate by walking, running, biking or sharing a tribute in remembrance. Supporters can also contribute directly to NFFF, helping fund programs that honor fallen firefighters, support Fire Hero Families and strengthen the fire service community.
To participate in #ForThe343, find an official Memorial Stair Climb or learn more, visit ForThe343.org.
