On Wednesday morning September 11at 8:46 a.m. 250+ Southwest Michigan community members and emergency responders began the 4th annual BOSS Services 9/11 Hero Climb at St. Joseph High School, presented by Honor Credit Union.
Participants and local first responders gathered at the school stadium and climbed 2,071 stadium stairs in remembrance of NYC first responders who sacrificed their lives on 9/11/2001. Those who could not make the climb showed their support by walking a mile, or running a 5k, on the track.
All the proceeds raised from the 9/11 Hero Climb, 1-Mile Walk and 5K have been donated to local Berrien County fire departments to buy critical life-saving gear and equipment. The departments that received funds this year include The City of Benton Harbor Public Safety which received funds for rescue struts. The department has needed this equipment numerous times throughout the past year and has had to improvise during rescue operations.
The second recipient is Pipestone/ Berrien Twps, Eau Claire who received help purchasing a hydrant adaptor and windshield removal kit. These items allow them to connect older and newer hydrant systems, and help purchase a windshield saw that will allow them to get to a patient in a motor vehicle accident quicker.
Benton Charter Township received funding to upgrade their 15 year old ‘Jaws of Life’. This upgrade allows them to cut the high strength material that is being used in modern vehicles, reducing delayed response times and helping to effectively and safely disentangle victims from inside crashed vehicles.
“We are grateful to Honor Credit Union for partnering with us to co-present the Hero Climb, to all the local businesses who sponsored the event, those who participated, and those who donated. Being able to watch this event grow and seeing our community turn out to help those who risk their lives for us is humbling and heart-warming,” says Jeff Street Co-Owner of BOSS Services. “Also, being able to see the first responders get the equipment they need, to help save lives, fills our hearts here at BOSS Services and the BOSS Services Foundation. It truly shows the impact of how Berrien County pulls together as a community.”
To learn more about the 9/11 Hero Climb or how you can be a part of next year’s event contact BOSS Services Owner Jeff Street at (269) 519-9952 or by email at jeff.street@bosshvac.com.
About BOSS Services Foundation
The BOSS Services Foundation mission is to stand behind area first responders and veterans, acknowledging their unwavering dedication. The Foundation offers financial aid, mental health resources, education, camaraderie and essential services.
