Firefighters Take Stair Climb Challenge

Summit Career Firefighter Michael Mammone and Volunteer Firefighter Matt Klapper participated in the 19th Annual Scott Firefighter Stair Climb.

The stair climb was held on March 7 at the Columbia Center in Seattle.  These firefighters climbed 69 stories in full fighter gear using their self contained breathing apparatus for breathing.  There was a spare bottle of breathing air available on the 40th floor if needed.

The Scott Firefighter Stair Climb supports the mission of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, raising money through sponsorships, individual and department fundraising, and entry fees.

"I'm proud of their commitment to this event and their personal sacrifice both physically and financially," Chief Joseph Houck said of his men.

In 2009, the event featured more than 1,500 firefighters from 244 fire departments raising a record setting $640,000. for blood cancer research and patient services.

The purpose of the Summit Firefighter's participation in the stair climb is two-fold.  A close friend of Firefighter Klapper, Seun Adebiyi, was diagnosed with two aggressive blood cancers.

These firefighters would also like to promote firefighter fitness by practicing a healthy lifestyle by eating smart and exercising regularly.

The City of Summit did not incur any costs associated with this event, both firefighters paid about $500 for airfare, hotel and meals.

The two firefighters are working with Summit Firefighter Local FMBA #54 and the Leukemia & Lymphoma to sponsor a screening drive to identify possible donors in the Summit area.

Mike finished the climb in 19:21 and Matt finished in 22:16.

Matt and Mike collectively raised over $12,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Matt is currently the top individual fundraiser of the more 1,500 firefighters who registered for the race. As a result, he received a ski trip to Canada which they plan to donate to Seun Adeyibi.