COSTA MESA, Calif. -- 5.11 has partnered with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) to support #ForThe343, a nationwide campaign honoring the 343 New York City Fire Department (FDNY) firefighters who died in the line of duty on Sept. 11, 2001.

The partnership comes as the nation approaches the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. As an official #ForThe343 Tribute Partner, 5.11 will use its platforms and community to raise awareness and encourage participation in the campaign.

The campaign expands on the NFFF’s 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb tradition. For more than two decades, firefighters and community members have climbed 110 stories, representing the height of the World Trade Center towers, in memory of the 343 FDNY firefighters.

Under #ForThe343, participants can take part regardless of their location or ability to attend an organized stair climb. The campaign encourages participants to climb at least one flight of stairs, share a photo or video using #ForThe343 and challenge three others to participate.

According to the NFFF, participants have collectively climbed more than 100,000 flights of stairs as part of the campaign. More than 115 official Memorial Stair Climbs are scheduled nationwide.

“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.”

Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, said the partnership will help expand participation in the campaign.

“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 Stagnaro. “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.”

Participation is not limited to climbing stairs. Supporters can walk, run or bike in remembrance, or share a tribute through social media. Participants also can contribute directly to the NFFF to support programs for fallen firefighters’ families and the fire service community.

To participate in #ForThe343, find an official Memorial Stair Climb or learn more, visit ForThe343.org.