Firefighters from three cities took part in a fund-raiser at Ameriquest Field in Arlington on Saturday that had them climbing stairs.

At 10 a.m., about three years to the minute that the first World Trade Center tower collapsed in New York City, firefighters raced up and down stairs inside Ameriquest Field in Arlington.

The Coppell, Carrollton and Arlington fire departments were commemorating fallen comrades and other victims of 9-11.

It was one of many observances nationwide Saturday.

Arlington fire Lt. Curtis Dunn Jr. knew a New York fire captain who was among the 2,749 people killed in the two towers.

"I will never forget the news coverage, hearing the chirping sounds in the background," he said, referring to a distress signal emitted by a device that many firefighters wear. "I still cry when I think about it."

Arlington's event was organized by a Lewisville woman to raise money for the Firefighters National Trust and the International Association of Firefighters. About $2,500 was raised Saturday.

"It was my daughter's idea," Laura Carman said. "She said, 'We need to help the kids who lost mommies and daddies.' "