Union City, Tenn.–A speaker who misrepresented his involvement in 9/11 has been removed from the program at the upcoming 9/11 Memorial Stairclimb in Union City. The Memorial Stairclimb is set for Saturday, September 10 at Discovery Park in Union City.
Union City Fire Chief Karl Ullrich said an earlier press release naming August Johansen as a main speaker at the upcoming climb led to investigation about his actual involvement at 9/11. Ullrich said it has been determined that he misrepresented himself in a case of ‘stolen valor’ and has been removed from the program.
Ullrich said, “We are saddened and embarrassed by this development which distracts from what is a heartfelt tribute to the firefighters lost in the attack on the World Trade Center and the fundraiser for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, a worthy cause.”
The immediate families of participating firefighters will enjoy free admission to Discovery Park for the event. Firefighters will receive a voucher for a meal at one of the museum and park’s restaurants.
The opening ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. and will feature the Presentation of the Colors, National Anthem and an opening prayer. The climb will begin at 10 a.m. For more info, contact Lt. Rick Stacks at rdstacks73@gmail.com or call (731) 885-2232.
The tower stair climb, held in conjunction with The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, is open to any rescue worker who wishes to participate in climbing the Discovery Park Tower staircase 10 times in full gear, the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. The terrorist attacks killed 2,184 civilians, 343 firefighters, 72 law enforcement officers and 10 EMS workers. Many others have died from medical complications in the years since.