Austin, TX
Austin firefighters participate in annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
Austin firefighters remember 9/11
Several events were held in Austin in observance of the 9/11 attacks. There was also a ceremony to recognize Texas first responders who were killed or injured in the past year.
AUSTIN, Texas – The ceremonies held on Wednesday were not just about remembering who was lost, but to honor three other things: dedication, courage and sacrifice.
A steady line of Austin firefighters worked their way up and down the Pleasant Valley Training Tower. Each step added up to 1,368 feet, which is the height of the World Trade Center.
The annual climb in Austin was organized the day after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
AFD Lt. Jerry Cohen said it is considered the longest running memorial of its kind in the nation.
“We have firefighters that are participating in this that weren’t even born on 9/11. We have a lot of them that were schoolchildren during 9/11. And then we have some guys like myself that were there as a firefighter during 9/11. So, now I think that’s the biggest thing is to see we have a generational change, but in a good way that they’re participating. And hopefully once I’m gone, they’ll continue, and this memorial to never forget 9/11,” said Lt. Cohen.
Remembering Sept. 11, 23 years later
A day of remembrance as the nation marks 23 years since September 11. From New York to Pennsylvania and Washington D.C., Americans are taking a moment to pause and remember the thousands of lives lost that day.
In downtown Austin, a memorial ceremony was held at the old Buford Fire Drill Tower. Among those attending was former New York firefighter Louis Strandberg. He was in Ground Zero when the second tower collapsed and now lives in Austin.
“It’s important that we never forget. We always remember, you know, I don’t want to say it’s nice, but it softens my heart that I have an event like this to come to,” said Standberg.
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It was noted that 10 firefighters from Austin went to New York 23 years ago.
“And keep in mind, those firefighters who served and went after the building collapsed, some of them are suffering from some serious medical conditions. So, we need to make sure they get the treatment they need,” said AFD Chief Joel Baker.
Austin Battalion Chief Travis Lee Maher was among those sent to New York. That mission was brought up by Governor Greg Abbott during a ceremony in North Austin.
“Chief Maher fought through the rubble to save and recover victims caught in the collapse of the World Trade Center. During that mission, he was exposed to a toxic mix of chemicals, debris and dust,” said Governor Abbott.
9/11 Memorial Tower Climb at COTA
The Samaritan Center is memorializing the anniversary of 9/11 with a stair climb at the Circuit of the Americas Observation Tower. The event honors the victims and heroes from the tragedy. Tierra Neubaum has more.
Maher passed away, and his family was presented with the Star of Texas Award. Maher’s heroism, according to Abbott, is what makes Texas and the USA exceptional.
“And we will also never forget the men and women who ran toward danger on that horrific day of 9/11. We marvel at the valor of the emergency first responders that day. We’re also grateful for the first responders who bravely serve Texans each and every day,” said Gov. Abbott.
The Star of Texas Award was given out to a total of 23 Texas first responders who have died or been injured in the past year. Other Austin recipients include:
- AISD PD Officer Val Barnes; who was shot by a gunman on the campus of Northeast Early College High School.
- APD Officer Anthony Dupree Martin; who was struck and killed by a vehicle while on his motorcycle near Liberty Hill.
- APD Officer Ysidro Ramon Mendoza; who survived after being hit by a vehicle.
- APD Officer Joseph Strother; who was shot by the same gunman that shot officer Barnes.
The names of all the 2024 recipients of the Star of Texas Awards are:
- Firefighter Brady Weaver, Arlington Fire Department.
- Officer Matthew J. Thorpe, Arlington Police Department.
- Battalion Chief Travis Lee Maher, Austin Fire Department.
- Sergeant Val Barnes, Austin Independent School District.
- Senior Officer Anthony Dupree Martin, Austin Police Department.
- Officer Ysidro Ramon Mendoza, Austin Police Department.
- Detective Joseph Strother, Austin Police Department.
- Officer Steven Robert Nothem II, Carrollton Police Department.
- Officer Kyle Mathew Hicks, Corpus Christi Police Department.
- Senior Officer Vicente Mathew Ortiz Jr., Corpus Christi Police Department.
- Detective Edgar F. Morales, Dallas Police Department.
- Officer Tyler Morris, Dallas Police Department.
- Deputy David Walter Bosecker, Eastland County Sheriff’s Office.
- Deputy Joseph J. Villarreal, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office.
- Officer David R. Lipsey Jr., Graham Police Department.
- Deputy Armando Esqueda, Harris County Sherriff’s Office.
- Senior Deputy Hugo Rodriguez, Hidalgo County Sherriff’s Office.
- Sergeant Mauricio Valle, Houston Police Department.
- Lieutenant Milton Gabriel Resendez, San Benito Police Department.
- Firefighter Danny Keith Ireton, Stanton Volunteer Fire Department.
- Deputy Brent Brown, Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office.
- Trooper Lyndon Johnson, Texas Department of Public Safety.
- Officer Troy Costello, Woodville Police Department.
The Star of Texas Award has been held since 2003. More than 700 awards have been issued.
The ceremony closed with “Peace” as the final word offered in the Benediction. It was a reference to what first responders try to bring in times of chaos.
An outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness that can cause explosive diarrhea, has been confirmed in Texas, prompting health officials to urge extra precautions when handling fresh produce.
The Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed 48 cases of cyclosporiasis across 10 Texas counties. State health officials say there have been no deaths linked to the outbreak so far.
There are no reported cases in Southeast Texas at this time, and Port Arthur officials say they have not received any reported cases from area hospitals or health care providers. Still, health officials say now is the time to take extra precautions.
Judith Smith, Port Arthur’s director of health services, said cyclosporiasis is caused by “a microscopic parasite that is usually found in contaminated food and contaminated water.”
Smith said contamination typically stems from floodwater or sewage water when produce is harvested, allowing parasites to transfer to produce long before it reaches consumers.
“I have not heard of an outbreak like this. It’s been a while. It might have been 2023, 2024, and so, you know, and of course, Texas is not immune,” Smith said.
Smith said foods that are eaten raw can pose a higher risk. “Those foods that are not cooked are the ones that really make you more at risk,” she said.
Health officials recommend washing raw produce, including lettuce, cilantro, raspberries and basil. They also recommend cleaning cutting boards, refrigerating fresh goods and throwing away any remaining produce after experiencing symptoms.
Symptoms can include watery diarrhea, fatigue, lack of appetite and a low-grade fever. “Those individuals that may have that watery diarrhea or really just more than two to three days should seek medical attention,” Smith said.
Testing can confirm the parasite, and early treatment can help prevent more serious complications, especially for children and elderly relatives. Health care experts recommend contacting a health care provider as soon as possible if persistent stomach cramps and other symptoms develop after eating fresh produce.
The Texas Longhorns are less than two months away from starting their regular season slate of the 2026 schedule.
Just like last season, the Longhorns have been given unrealistic expectations by some, but will look to avoid the slow start that had everyone counting them out in September. On paper, the Longhorns should be a lot better than they were last season.
A national championship run should be on the table for head coach Steve Sarkisian and his team. One of the reasons that is a possibility is due to the Longhorns have something in common with previous national championship winners.
Legacy Year
Last season, the college football world was enamored by the Indiana Hoosiers. A program that no one saw ever winning the national championship, was hoisting the trophy at the end of the season.
Now, the Hoosiers had a talented roster from top to bottom. But the play of starting quarterback Fernando Mendoza was the leading factor in this team reaching the mountaintop.
Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning has the chance to make that same impression this season. After his first full season as the starting quarterback in Austin last year, there is a growing confidence that Manning is going to be on another level in 2026.
Last season, Manning threw for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdown passes. If you were to compare those numbers to Mendoza’s last season, the Hoosiers quarterback threw for 3,535 yards and an impressive 41 touchdown passes.
Those numbers make it clear that Manning will have to elevate his performance this season. With a revamped offensive line, the Longhorns quarterback may have the time to rival the numbers of Mendoza from this past season.
But another key piece to the Longhorns’ 2026 roster is a massive wide receiver addition.
It’s going to take the whole village, and Coach Sarkisian went out and got one of the most talented wide receivers in the transfer portal with Cam Coleman.
Coleman had two solid years with the Auburn Tigers and now will look to be the deep field threat for Manning and the Longhorns. The junior receiver’s addition to the roster could take this offensive unit to being one of the top units in the country.
All championship teams have a quarterback who could lead them to victory. Manning could very well be the next elite quarterback to hold a national championship trophy.
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Join several Austin labor unions and community members to honor Lorenzo Salgado Araujo’s life and the countless immigrants who have been impacted by ICE.
The community vigil will take place at the Wildflower Church on Saturday, July 11th starting at 6 PM. All are welcome to bring flowers and candles as we honor the loss of life and grieve the separation of families.
Community Vigil Details
🗓️ July 11, 2026 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
🗺️ 1314 E Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704
🚗 Public transit and rideshare encouraged! Limited parking available and overflow parking may be available at Travis High School.
Please consider donating to the family’s GoFundMe if you are able: https://bit.ly/atx4lorenzo
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