Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona

Episode: Riley Murph – Fallen Firefighters 9/11 Stair Climb At Salt River Fields

Date: August 19, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Holmberg’s Morning Sickness brings Salt River Fire Department’s Riley Murph into the studio to promote the upcoming 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Salt River Fields. The discussion dives deep into the meaning behind the event, how the firefighter community is impacted by the legacy of 9/11, and how everyday people can show support—while dispelling the myth that you must be in peak physical condition to participate. The hosts and Riley blend humor, heartfelt stories, and practical event info, encouraging listeners to get involved, honor fallen firefighters, and support those dealing with illness and job-related tragedies.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Mission and Impact of the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

• Honoring Fallen Firefighters: The event is organized to honor those firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11 and those who have died or suffered from job-related illnesses since.
  • “There's always a gap that needs to be filled and this is a way that we can help give back and fill that gap.” – Riley Murph (01:58)
• Funds Raised: Proceeds benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the East Valley Firefighters Relief Fund, directly aiding local firefighters and contributing to the FDNY’s counseling and relief efforts.
  • “We benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and we also benefit the East Valley Firefighters Relief Fund.” – Riley Murph (02:20)
  • “We're actually contributing directly back to the FDNY. The ones who actually went through this. We're really proud of that.” – Riley Murph (05:04)

2. Growth, Tradition, and Unique Aspects of the Event

• The Salt River Fields climb is in its ninth year, growing from 14 initial climbers to over 1,500.
  • “It's grown from...14 people in the stairwell...to over 1500 people. And we raised about $125,000.” – Riley Murph (04:41)
• Events have spread nationwide, but this valley’s event is unique for its direct support to the FDNY.
  • “I believe, one of the only events here in the valley, if not the only event, that actually gives back to the FDNY.” – Riley Murph (04:49)
• Salt River Fields has been a supportive venue, contributing to the event’s community feel.

3. What the Event Feels Like—for Climbers & Spectators

• Host John Holmberg shares a personal story of participating while recovering from a stress fracture and meeting a New York firefighter impacted by 9/11.
  • “I knew it was great. I knew it was special. I came out of it going, that was something different. That was a special moment, and I want other people to do it.” – John Holmberg (08:15)
• Symbolism: Climbers receive a badge honoring a 9/11 firefighter, carrying their memory to symbolically “complete their journey.”
  • “You're carrying that badge...and you're symbolically completing their journey to the top of the towers.” – Riley Murph (06:44)
• All fitness levels can participate. The event is about solidarity and remembrance, not competition.
  • “You have to be capable, but you don't have to be in the greatest shape ever...” – John Holmberg (05:58)
  • “It's all about coming out and supporting and helping raise money to support the cause...It doesn't matter [how much you do].” – Riley Murph (08:42)

4. Why the Cause Matters: Health Risks & Brotherhood in the Fire Service

• Many firefighters suffer health issues, especially cancers, directly related to service—often with insufficient support from workers' comp or insurance.
  • “Cancer is the biggest thing for us right now...Our gear causes cancer. The stuff we breathe causes cancer. Everything causes cancer. It's almost every day.” – Riley Murph (14:01)
• The charity helps fill financial and emotional gaps for those stricken by illness or loss.
  • “If we can help fill that gap a little bit and make the pain and suffering easier for your family while you’re going through...illness—that’s what it’s all about.” – Riley Murph (14:56)
• The culture of the fire service: a brotherhood dedicated to public service—regardless of who needs help.
  • “People call us to solve their problems, right? ... When people don't know what to do, they call 911.” – Riley Murph (10:09)

5. Practical Event Details & Registration

• When: September 13th, Opening ceremony at 6:30 pm, climb starts at 7 pm.
• Where: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.
• Registration: saltriverstairclimb.com
  • Register by August 22nd to guarantee an event T-shirt.
  • Cost: $35 per person.
• All participants receive a swag bag, shirt (if registered on time), and a badge honoring a fallen firefighter.

6. Memorable, Heartfelt, and Humorous Moments

• The camaraderie and emotional weight among participants create a meaningful experience.
  • “This motivational thing to keep this alive was unreal…It’s just beautiful to see this kind of connection.” – John Holmberg (06:13)
• Light-hearted studio banter about whether anyone is ever “mad at firefighters”—to which Riley jokingly concedes, “Take that back.” (09:46)
• Laughter around the sometimes-bizarre emergencies firefighters encounter (e.g., extracting objects from patients), highlighting the unpredictable and sometimes absurd nature of the job.
  • “You do so much good in the world, and this is what we watch every day. And you guys sometimes have to go save that person.” – John Holmberg (11:28)
• A little needling of co-host Larry’s reluctance to climb stairs, and playful jabs about age and physical fitness for joining the fire service.

Notable Quotes

• On the Event’s Purpose:
  “We do this really to give back and help…there's always a gap that needs to be filled and this is a way that we can help give back and fill that gap.” – Riley Murph (01:58)

• On Carrying the Memory of Fallen Firefighters:
  “You're carrying that badge…you're symbolically completing their journey to the top of the towers.” – Riley Murph (06:44)

• On Accessibility:
  “It's not a physical…you're not climbing Everest…You don't have to do the whole thing. Right. It's all about coming out and supporting.” – Riley Murph (08:42)

• On the Brotherhood and Service:
  “People call us to solve their problems, right? …When people don't know what to do, they call 911 and 911 will figure out your problem.” – Riley Murph (10:09)

• On the Emotional Impact:
  “I knew it was great. I knew it was special. I came out of it going, that was something different. That was a special moment, and I want other people to do it.” – John Holmberg (08:15)

• On the Realities of Fire Service:
  “Cancer is the biggest thing for us right now...Everything causes cancer. It's almost every day.” – Riley Murph (14:01)

Important Timestamps

• [01:11] — Riley Murph joins the show
• [01:58] — Why the stair climb matters; gaps in support for firefighters
• [02:20] — Beneficiaries: National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, East Valley Firefighters Relief Fund
• [04:41] — Growth from 14 founding climbers to 1500+
• [05:04] — Direct support of FDNY initiatives
• [06:44] — Symbolism of the badge each climber carries
• [08:42] — Event is inclusive; all levels welcome
• [09:31] — Cost and sign-up details
• [10:09] — On responding to every kind of emergency
• [14:01] — Health risks: firefighting and cancer
• [16:08] — Event specifics: date, time, what to expect
• [17:55] — Experience of last year’s event and call to action

Final Thoughts

The episode is as much a heartfelt tribute as it is a call to action. Riley Murph’s visit makes clear that participation—whether through climbing, donating, or simply showing up—directly supports those who continue to carry the burden of 9/11 and firefighting in general. The mix of reverence, humor, and real talk is classic HMS. As John sums up, “I finally did it last year. I should have been doing this every year…I got to clear my schedule every year for this because it’s worth it.” (19:34)

To get involved, register by August 22nd at saltriverstairclimb.com and help honor the firefighters who gave everything.