Hartland Firefighter Proves Age is Just a Number

On March 3, eight Hartland firefighters completed a climb at the GM Renaissance Center to support the American Lung Association.

Climbing 70 floors in full gear, it was the first year the local department participated in the effort and among them was 70-year-old Hartland firefighter Jim Brake, who climbed one floor for each year of his life. 

Brake, who has been at the Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority for 16 years, decided to participate in honor of his mother who passed away from cancer as well as a close friend who is currently battling the disease. 

Brake also said he chose to climb to be part of his team.

Completing the climb in 47 minutes, Hartland Fire Chief Adam Carroll said Brake’s time was not only a great example for the whole department but personally inspirational as well.

“It’s certainly a great example of something to strive for," he said. "I don’t think it’s something that Jim necessarily set out to accomplish, it’s just who he is.” 

Calling him a role model with a mental drive that others look up to, Carroll says that Brake works hard to achieve his fitness goals. His regular routine involves the station treadmill, alternating between running and walking with his equipment strapped to his back.

For the fundraiser however, Brake credits his fellow firefighters, who all trained together, helping each other prepare by dressing in their full gear and doing the stairs.

"We were told it wasn't 70 flights, it was going to be 77," Brake said. "So somebody did the math and said if you go up and down 65 times on this one, it will equal 77 over there."

Even being prepared though, Brake admitted the event was a tough climb.

“By the third floor, I was trying to catch my breath," he said. "And then these young firefighters from Westland passed by me and then a couple flights later, there they were, I see them trying to catch their breath.” 

Still, Carroll says the time Brake finished in was impressive at any age and good motivation for the younger firefighters he works with. 

“It makes them (firefighters) drive a little harder,” he said. “Friendly competition is very healthy and is rampant in fire service.”

Staying active and being healthy is part of Brake’s lifestyle who also says he still enjoys playing baseball on a 55-plus baseball league.

“I tell people we’re just like the Tigers, just slower,” he said with a grin.

Training on a regular basis also helps Brake continue to do the job of a firefighter with confidence while proving to his co-workers that age really is just a number.

“He’s a great example of not only what being a firefighter is,” Carroll said, “but the types of things you can do make sure you can do this job for a very long time.”