Eldon Firefighter Association

10/07/2026

🇺🇸 WE CLIMB TO NEVER FORGET HONORING THE 343 🇺🇸

On October 3rd, volunteers with the Eldon Fire Department took time out of their morning to once again honor the 343 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001.

This year, we had the honor of completing our climb at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City, Missouri.

Together, we climbed approximately 2,600 steps representing the 110 stories of the World Trade Center.

This climb is more than just a physical challenge. Every step represents remembrance, sacrifice, courage, and brotherhood. We climb to honor the 343 firefighters who ran toward danger that morning, climbing those towers to save anyone they could, not knowing that many of them would never make it back home.

At the end of the climb, each climber had the honor of ringing the bell and reading the name of the firefighter they climbed for. It is a powerful reminder of exactly why we do this.

🚒 ELDON FIRE DEPARTMENT CLIMBERS

Lieutenant Micheal Morrow — 10th climb completed
Firefighter Cole Thompson — 2nd climb completed
Firefighter Tyler Brown — 2nd climb completed
Firefighter Tom Coppock — 2nd climb completed
Firefighter Oliver Burrows — 2nd climb completed

But one of the most meaningful parts of these climbs is having our kids beside us the future of the Eldon Fire Department.

These kids have stepped up to honor the 343 right alongside us. They enjoy putting on the gear, climbing those stairs, and being part of the team. More importantly, they are learning what it means to remember the sacrifices made by those who came before them and why we continue the promise to Never Forget.

🇺🇸 OUR YOUNG CLIMBERS

Leevi Morrow — 6th climb completed
Clay Walker — 3rd climb completed
Parker Morrow — 2nd climb completed
John Skjei — 1st climb completed
Carter Morrow — 1st climb completed

We could not be more proud of everyone who completed this challenge.

We look forward to the next climb, when we will once again lace up our boots, put on our gear, and climb in remembrance of the 343.

343 names. 110 stories. 2,600 steps. One promise.

🇺🇸 WE CLIMB BECAUSE WE REMEMBER.
🚒 WE CLIMB BECAUSE THEY CLIMBED.
🔔 WE CLIMB TO NEVER FORGET.

9•11•2001 — NEVER FORGOTTEN 🇺🇸

#343

09/12/2026

🇺🇸 WE CLIMB TO REMEMBER. WE CLIMB TO NEVER FORGET. 🇺🇸

Today marks a historic and solemn day that will forever remain in our hearts.

Twenty-five years ago today, on September 11, 2001, our nation was attacked, taking the lives of thousands of innocent people.

On this day, we especially honor the 343 FDNY firefighters who answered the call. They entered those towers and climbed story after story, carrying their gear and equipment, doing everything they could to save people they had never met. They climbed knowing the danger ahead of them, but never knowing they would not return home.

Their courage and sacrifice created a tradition that continues 25 years later:

We climb to remember.
We climb to honor.
We climb because we will NEVER FORGET.

Today, members of the Eldon Fire family traveled to Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City and climbed the equivalent of 110 stories in honor of those 343 fallen firefighters.

🚒 Lieutenant Micheal Morrow
🚒 Firefighter Tom Coppock
🚒 Firefighter Oliver Burrows
🚒 Leevi Morrow

These stair climbs are meant to be tough. We carry the gear. We carry the weight. We feel the exhaustion and the pain with every step. But when our legs hurt and our bodies tell us to stop, we remember why we are there.

Because on the morning of September 11, 2001, they kept climbing.

Tonight, we climbed for them.

A special congratulations to Firefighter Coppock and Firefighter Burrows, who completed their first 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Lieutenant Morrow completed his 9th stair climb, and Leevi Morrow completed his 5th.

We also want to give a huge thank-you to Oliver’s mother for coming out to support us, making sure we had water, and capturing pictures of a memorial experience that we will always remember. Your support meant more than you know.

Today wasn’t about a race, a finishing time, or who reached the top first. Every step had a purpose. Every floor represented sacrifice. Every moment of exhaustion reminded us of the men who climbed those stairs 25 years ago carrying the weight of their gear and the responsibility of saving lives.

343 firefighters made the ultimate sacrifice that day.

Twenty-five years later, we still say their names.
We still honor their sacrifice.
And we still climb.

Today was a day of remembrance, but it will not be our last climb. There will be many more to come.

To the 343 brave firefighters who gave their lives on September 11, 2001:

We climbed for you today.
We will climb for you tomorrow.
And we will NEVER FORGET. 🇺🇸🚒

343 — Forever Remembered.

08/08/2026

Last night (8-6-26), the Eldon Fire Department was dispatched to assist one of our neighboring departments on a mutual aid response for a residential structure fire with flames showing.

Eldon Fire responded with our ladder truck and four personnel. Upon arrival, crews encountered a one-story residence with heavy fire showing from the front door. Firefighters quickly deployed an attack line, made an exterior knockdown to slow the fire’s progression, and then transitioned to an aggressive interior offensive attack.

Thanks to the coordinated efforts of all responding agencies, the bulk of the fire was contained to the kitchen area. While the home did sustain significant smoke and heat damage throughout, this incident provided a powerful real-world example of something we stress every year during Fire Prevention Month.

Close your bedroom door before you go to sleep.

As firefighters, we spend a lot of time teaching children and families about fire safety, and this is one of the most important lessons we share. In this fire, closed bedroom doors helped protect those rooms from the extreme heat and smoke, creating a much safer environment and providing valuable extra time for anyone who may have become trapped inside.

We’ll be sharing photos from this incident to help demonstrate the dramatic difference a closed door can make. We hope these images serve as a reminder that such a simple habit can save lives.

Please take a moment tonight to check your smoke alarms, make sure everyone in your home knows two ways out, and close your bedroom door before going to bed. It only takes a second, but it could make all the difference.

07/02/2026

This occasion marks a significant milestone in our history, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, a day that will forever be etched in our hearts. On that fateful day, we suffered a devastating assault that claimed the lives of thousands, including 343 firefighters who selflessly risked everything to save others, ultimately giving their own lives in the line of duty. Every year, we pay tribute to these brave men and women through a memorial 110-story climb, replicating the arduous ascent they made on that historic day. Today, I am proud to announce that on October 3rd, members of the Eldon Fire Department will participate in this stair climb event at the Truman Building in Jefferson City, honoring the selfless sacrifice of these heroes. This event serves as both a fundraiser and a competition among fire departments, with the proceeds supporting programs provided by Supporting Heroes. This organization honors the service and sacrifice of public safety heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice by caring for their loved ones. The Eldon Firefighters Association has set a fundraising goal, and we kindly request the community's support to help us reach or exceed this target. Let us rally behind the Eldon Fire Department and make them number one among the competing teams, maximizing the funds raised for this worthy cause. All team members listed on our page will complete the 110-story climb, and I invite you to show your support by visiting the link to our team page, where you can make a donation. Together, we can honor the memory of the 343 firefighters and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they served to protect.

https://p2p.onecause.com/mo911memorialstairclimb2026/team/eldon-fire-department?participant=micheal-morrow

06/27/2026

This morning, three volunteers from the Eldon Fire Department, accompanied by our children, participated in the 9/11 memorial stair climb in Columbia. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the national attack, and in remembrance of the 343 firefighters who selflessly entered the towers to save lives, ultimately giving their own in the process. We undertake this stair climb to honor their ultimate sacrifice. Although this task may seem straightforward, it poses a significant physical challenge. Nonetheless, I am proud to report that our group started and completed the climb together. Today, we pay tribute to the 343 firefighters who made the supreme sacrifice. They maybe be gone but will “Never be Forgotten”. 

05/30/2026

Our thoughts and prayers are with our fellow law enforcement colleagues and the family of the fallen trooper. This is a somber day, and given the prevalence of hate worldwide, we note that mental health issues such as su***de, anxiety, and depression are increasingly prevalent. We encourage everyone to seek help if they need someone to talk to, reassuring them that support is available and they are not alone. This message extends to all public safety personnel, who often face challenges in finding someone to confide in; remember, you are not alone, and assistance is available.

Today, we pause to honor and remember Missouri State Highway Patrol Corporal Gary Daniels. 🖤💙

Corporal Daniels graduated from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Academy in 2015 as a member of the 101st Recruit Class and dedicated his career to serving the people of Missouri. During his time with the Patrol, he served in Troop C, Troop A, the recruiting division, and most recently at the Patrol Academy, where he helped train and mentor the next generation of troopers. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, he was known for encouraging young men and women to pursue careers in law enforcement and helping shape the future of the agency.

This week, the Missouri law enforcement community suffered a heartbreaking loss with the death of Corporal Daniels. Authorities have reported that he died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Behind every badge is a human being. Law enforcement officers, dispatchers, firefighters, EMS personnel, corrections officers, and other first responders witness trauma that most people will never fully understand. They carry the weight of tragedy, loss, violence, and stress while continuing to show up for their families and their communities every day.

At Missouri True Crime, we often cover the darkest moments in people's lives. Cases, investigations, and tragedies can leave lasting impacts not only on victims and families, but also on the men and women who respond to those scenes. Mental health matters, and checking on those around us matters.

Please keep Corporal Gary Daniels' family, friends, fellow troopers, recruit classmates, and the entire Missouri State Highway Patrol family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Rest easy, Corporal Daniels. Thank you for your service to Missouri. 💙🖤