I’m climbing the stairs at One World Trade Center with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in honor of my dad, FDNY Chief Orio Palmer.
My dad gave his life on 9/11, in service to others, and his example continues to shape how I try to live my life and motivates me take on challenges like this one.
This climb is a way to remember him, to keep moving forward, and to support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s mission to care for the families of fallen and injured first responders and military heroes.
If you’re able, please consider donating or sharing this page. Every contribution—big or small—helps, and I’m truly grateful for your support.
About Orio Palmer
On September 11, 2001, Chief Palmer demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness in the face of unimaginable danger. Drawing on his prior experience as an elevator technician, he helped operate a freight elevator in the South Tower of the World Trade Center, allowing members of Ladder 15 to reach the 40th floor and assist injured civilians evacuating the building. From there, Chief Palmer climbed an additional 37 flights of stairs on foot, reaching the impact zone where United Airlines Flight 175 struck the tower.
Alongside his fellow firefighters, Chief Palmer transmitted critical radio messages describing conditions near the impact zone and coordinating rescue efforts. His calm leadership and unwavering commitment to saving others in the tower’s final moments stand as a lasting testament to the courage and sacrifice of the FDNY on that tragic day. These transmissions, later declassified, revealed the remarkable bravery and composure displayed by Chief Palmer and his team as they continued their mission to help others.
Chief Palmer was known not only for his leadership in the firehouse, but also for his dedication to physical fitness and endurance. Within the FDNY, his reputation for physical prowess has become legendary – he became the first member of the department to earn the FDNY’s elite Physical Fitness Award five times. A marathon runner who embodied the strength and perseverance required of those who serve others. That commitment to fitness reflects the spirit of the Tower Climb itself — a demanding physical challenge undertaken with purpose and intention.
The Tunnel to Towers Young Professionals Network climbs in honor of Chief Palmer’s ascent — symbolizing both the physical journey he made that day and the enduring strength of those who continue to carry his legacy forward. Each step represents remembrance, gratitude, and a shared commitment to ensuring that the legacy of our nation’s heroes is never forgotten.
The NYC Tower Climb is more than a physical challenge; it is a tribute to those who answered the call of duty and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others. Through our participation, we aim to honor Chief Palmer’s life and sacrifice while raising funds to support the Foundation’s promise to provide mortgage-free homes to Gold Star families, families of fallen first responders, and catastrophically injured service members.
Chief Palmer is remembered not only for his bravery on September 11th, but for his dedication to his family, his fellow firefighters, and the city he served. His courage, discipline, and commitment to service continue to inspire generations to live with purpose.
We climb so that his story — and the stories of all who sacrificed on September 11th — will never be forgotten.
About the Tunnel to Towers Foundation
Each year since 2015, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has held the Tunnel to Towers Tower Climb NYC at One World Observatory at One World Trade Center in New York City. One thousand participants climb 104 stories, symbolizing strength, hope and the resiliency of the American spirit.
The event celebrates the life and sacrifice of all 9/11 heroes, including FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller and FDNY Captain Billy Burke.
On September 11, 2001, Stephen Siller, a FDNY firefighter assigned to Brooklyn’s Squad 1, had just finished his shift and was on his way to play golf with his brothers. He suddenly got word over his scanner that an airplane had hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Stephen drove his truck to the entrance of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, strapped 60 lbs. of gear to his back and raced on foot through the tunnel to the Twin Towers. There, he gave up his life while saving others.
Captain William F. Burke, Jr. and his men were on the 27th floor of the North Tower when the South Tower collapsed. Billy immediately alerted the Captain of Ladder Co. 6 and the Officer of Ladder Co. 24, his original company, of the collapse. They, along with their men, immediately evacuated along with a number of civilians they were assisting, all surviving. Minutes later the North Tower collapsed and Billy perished along with the other innocents on September 11, 2001. He selflessly repeated, “keep going, I’m right behind you,” to keep his men moving to safety.
The view from One World Observatory at the top of One World Trade Center is nothing short of spectacular. After making the emotional climb, participants explore expansive, panoramic views in every direction from a unique perspective. One of the major highlights, of course, is viewing the two reflecting pools that mark the footprints of where the Twin Towers once stood.
