HTC Sponsors Surfside Beach Fire Department’s 2nd Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
Event to Commemorate First Responders with Custom T-shirts and Challenge Coins for Participants
July 31, 2025, Conway, S.C. – HTC, the area’s largest fiber internet provider, announced the Cooperative will be sponsoring the Surfside Beach Fire Department’s second annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. The event, which will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025, will run from 9:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Surfside Beach Fishing Pier located at 11 Ocean Boulevard. Participants will climb the pier stairs twenty-eight times, representing the 110 stories, or approximately 2,200 stairs many first responders ascended at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
With this sponsorship from HTC, commemorative T-shirts and collectible challenge coins will be provided to all registered climbers. HTC hopes these tokens will reinforce the spirit of remembrance and honor those who participate in memory of that tragic day.
In addition, the event remains completely free and open to the public. Firefighters and police officers are encouraged to participate in full protective gear or with weighted vests (approximately 90 pounds) to simulate the conditions faced by first responders on 9/11. Air packs will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis for those wishing to wear one during the climb.
“HTC is honored to support this important community tribute,” said Sandy Hendrick, HTC Marketing Manager. “With first responders in my own family, this event holds deep personal meaning. I feel it is essential to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of first responders. We’re standing with Surfside Beach in honoring those who climb, remember and inspire.”
The Surfside Beach Fire Department is a combination of career and volunteer members responding to more than 1,400 emergency calls annually across the 1.9 square-mile jurisdiction. The department operates three shifts of four firefighters each, working 24 hours on duty with 48 hours off and serve surrounding communities through mutual aid agreements.
Community members, families and supporters are invited to attend, whether to climb, spectate or volunteer. The presence of friends and neighbors on the pier amplifies the tribute and support for first responders past and present, creating a meaningful shared experience.
For more information about the Surfside Beach 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, visit www.surfsidebeach.org.
For learn more about HTC’s community involvement, visit www.htcinc.net or call 843-365-2154.
About HTC
HTC is the largest telecommunications cooperative in the United States. Celebrating more than 70 years as the local leader in communications, HTC provides services in Horry, Georgetown and Marion counties. Utilizing the area’s most extensive fiber optic network, HTC service offerings include: Internet; Video; Security; Mobile; and Voice. HTC also offers advanced business services, including: Internet; Voice and Hosted Voice Solutions; IT Solutions such as Wi-Fi, Data Backup & Recovery and Firewalls; and Business Security. To learn more about HTC, visit www.htcinc.net. For additional information about HTC or becoming a member, call 843-365-2154.
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