Farmington Hills Firefighters Climb to Benefit American Lung Association

Farmington Hills firefighters passed on , but still raised more than $1,400 in this year's American Lung Association Fight for Air Climb, held March 4 at the Renaissance Center in Detroit. 

Four members of the participated, fewer than last year's team of six. Battalion Chief Bruce Belsky, Inspector Nick Hippler, Firefighter Jarod Foshag and Sergeant Sean Vesey climbed to the top of the Center in full gear, which adds 50-60 pounds and held in the body heat they generated during the exercise. 

"This was the first time for Foshag and Vesey, and a real eye opener to the effort involved in the climb," Belsky said. "We all agree that this is one of the most difficult physical challenges in which we have participated. It gives us a more accurate idea of what the firefighters had to endure on 9/11 when ascending the World Trade Center."

Of the more than 120 firefighters who participated, Hippler posted the fourth fastest time, at 12:03:33. Belsky, 54, was one of the oldest participants. 

Max Anthouard, a former Farmington Hills firefighter who now works for Ypsilanti Fire Dept. and lives in Farmington, posted the fastest time, at 10:32:09. Belsky said that came as no surprise, as Anthouard has been running marathons for decades.