Firefighters Climb for Trophy, Raise Funds for a Cause

On March 24, hundreds of St. Louis firefighters, police officers and other first responders will scale a local tower carrying 50 - 75 pounds of gear for the Firefighter Challenge at the Fight For Air Climb at the Metropolitan Square Building, announced today by the American Lung Association in Missouri.

For the Firefighter Challenge, teams of five or more firefighters will compete for the title of the fastest fire department along with top fundraising team. The teams are required to climb in full gear – helmet, mask, boots and air tank – which can add 50 – 75 pounds of weight as they scale the Metropolitan Square building, a total of 40 floors, 856 steps.

The Fight for Air Climb is a way for fire departments to stay in shape and bond as a team, but also to support a cause that hits close to home.

“On a daily basis, firefighters are exposed to smoke, gasses, chemicals, particle pollution and other pollutants that make them at much higher risk for lung disease,” said Brett Schuette, the executive director for the Lung Association in Missouri. “This challenge helps raise awareness for firefighters facing lung disease and gives us a chance to watch and applaud their strength and perseverance.”