Firefighters Complete 9/11 Tribute Workout in Woodville

WOODVILLE, TX – September 11, 2025

Firefighters from Shady Grove Volunteer Fire Department and Woodville Volunteer Fire Department came together Thursday morning to honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, with a tribute workout held at Anytime Fitness in Woodville.

The tribute began with firefighters climbing the stair machine in full bunker gear and air packs, symbolizing the 110 stories New York City firefighters climbed inside the World Trade Center towers. With only one stair machine available, each participant took turns completing the climb while others performed movements from the CrossFit “Hero WOD Chad,” which consists of 1,000 weighted step-ups to represent the endurance and sacrifice of first responders.

Participants included Bradley McLendon, Jacob Booth, and Clay Busey of Woodville VFD, along with Sal Baldovinos of Shady Grove VFD. Adamas CrossFit members also joined in to support and take part in the workout, making the event a shared moment of reflection and respect.

The firefighters said the workout was not only physically demanding but also served as a powerful reminder of the courage displayed by first responders on September 11, 2001.

“Every step we take in this workout is in memory of those who climbed that day and didn’t come home,” noted Sal Baldovinos during the event.

The event drew positive attention from passersby, with the fire trucks from both departments parked in front of the gym as a visual tribute. The firefighters emphasized that the workout was not only about fitness, but about honoring the sacrifice and commitment of those who gave their lives in service.

Both Shady Grove and Woodville VFDs thanked the community for showing support and reminded residents that volunteer fire departments rely on community involvement and donations to continue their mission.