5.11 announced its collaboration with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) in support of #ForThe343, a national movement that calls on Americans to pay tribute to the 343 firefighters from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, as well as the firefighters who have since made the ultimate sacrifice.

5.11 is supporting NFFF as an official #ForThe343 Tribute Partner and using its platforms and community to assist increase awareness and promote participation in the campaign.

In honor of the 343 FDNY firefighters who lost their lives while performing their duties on Sept. 11, 2001, the NFFF's 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs have brought communities and firefighters together for more than 20 years to ascend 110 stories, the height of the World Trade Center buildings.

Through #ForThe343, NFFF is extending this tradition this year, allowing people all throughout the nation to take part regardless of where they reside or whether they are able to attend an organized stair climb. In addition to challenging three people to carry on the tribute, participants are urged to climb the equivalent of at least one flight of stairs and post a picture or video on social media with the hashtag #ForThe343.

The movement is already picking up a lot of steam. In support of the campaign, participants have ascended over 100,000 flights of stairs, according to NFFF.

“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.”

NFFF's long-standing 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb tradition being expanded upon by the #ForThe343 campaign. There are more than 115 official Memorial Stair Climbs happening all around the country, including events in significant markets and in iconic locations. But for the first time, anybody can pay tribute to the departed from a firehouse, gym, business, neighborhood or home, going well beyond planned activities.

“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.”

The brand's long-standing dedication to helping first responders and the communities they defend is shown in 5.11's support of #ForThe343. A straightforward yet impactful call to action is being amplified by 5.11 through its collaboration with NFFF: climb, remember and inspire others to follow suit.

Walking, running, riding or presenting a tribute in remembrance are ways for those who cannot climb to take part. Additionally, supporters can make direct contributions to NFFF to support initiatives that build the fire service community, support Fire Hero Families and remember deceased firefighters.