(Albany, NY)-- First responders from throughout the Capital Region took part in the 2021 Stephen Siller Tunnels to Towers Foundation Climb on Sunday September 19th. The event had been held in the past at the Corning tower, but this year's event was held at the Times Union Center. Participants went up and down 1,980 stairs in the arena, to mark the 1,980 stairs to the top of the World Trade Center. Each participant wore a badge in memory of Halfmoon-Waterford captain Peter Keating. Keating was awarded the “Follow the footsteps” award two years ago to recognize his exemplary service in following the footsteps of Stephen Siller in his community. He was battling cancer at the time but vowed to continue participating in the annual climb. Last year's event was cancelled due to the pandemic, and Keating lost his battle earlier this year. Members of the Halfmoon-Waterford fire department carried Pete's gear during the climb, with his daughter wearing his helmet. As members of Halfmoon-Waterford honored Pete, members of West Crescent remembered their captain, Donavan Ayotte, who passed away last October. Members carried Donavan's helmet during the climb. Prior to the start, this year's “Follow the Footsteps” award was presented to Jeff Manor. Manor is a firefighter with the Westmere Fire Department and a member of the MacBoston 18 truck fallen firefighters memorial.