Firefighters Will Take the Stairs of the Carew Tower

CINCINNATI OH (02/14/2012)(readMedia)-- For the average person, climbing 45 flights of the Carew Tower can take up to twenty minutes. Now imagine if you had to climb those stairs wearing 67 pounds of gear including boots, coat and helmet. This is what over 70 firefighters from the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas will experience when they compete in the Firefighter Challenge of the American Lung Association's 2012 Fight for Air Climb.

The 7th Annual Fight for Air Climb will be held at the Carew Tower in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, February 19th from 6:30am-2pm.

This unique event is where participants climb 45 flights (or 804 total steps) to the Top of the Carew Tower -- all to raise awareness and funds to support the mission of the American Lung Association.

So far, 15 firefighter teams are registered for the climb. Participating fire departments include Clearcreek, Colerain Township, Fairfield, Wilder, Ft. Thomas, Jackson Township, Loveland-Symmes, Mason, Massie Township, Sharonville, Sugar Creek Township, Pierce Township, Union, West Chester, and Whitewater Township.

Jason Graham, team captain of the Mason Fire Department, says the Fight For Air Climb is a unique way to train.

"It's an opportunity to test yourself, and not just at the gym," Graham said. "You find out what type of 'firefighter shape' you're in. There aren't many 45 story buildings in Mason."

To motivate the climbers to push themselves to the limit, the Firefighter Challenge offers an award to the team with the fastest average time. Many participants use this award to see which department is in the best shape, or as Graham puts it, "Who's the toughest?"

The Firefighter Challenge is not just a competition to see who is the fittest; it is also an opportunity for the participants to raise money for a cause that is close to their hearts. Trevor Frodge, team captain for the West Chester Fire Department, said, "Firefighters get exposed to a lot of toxic smoke." The inhalation of this smoke can be a trigger for many of the lung diseases the American Lung Association hopes to eliminate.

Pete Richison, team member for the Clearcreek Township Fire Department, knows exactly how devastating lung disease can be to a family. Within the last few years, Pete's father has experienced some unusual breathing problems, experiencing a tightness in his chest and airways which can be easily disturbed by certain smells.

"Anytime we are in a public place and someone has on too much perfume, smokes, etc. he can be set off," Pete said. "He has always been an outdoorsy guy, and being outside anytime the weather isn't perfect is nearly impossible for him now." To help others like his father, Pete has set a personal fundraising goal of $1,500.

For those who do not think they would be able to climb, it is not as hard as you think. "You can always sidestep and take some water. It's at your own pace," said Graham.

Brandon Coplen, team captain of the Union Fire Department, offers a tip on how he gets to the top every time. "You think about the people who are affected by lung disease who can't climb, so you do it for them."

Climb day will begin at 7am with the Vertical Mile; athletes looking for an extreme physical challenge will climb the Carew Tower ten times up and down, plus an additional eight floors and six steps for a total of one mile.

Public competitive and casual climbs run from 10:30am-1pm, immediately followed by the Firefighter Challenge. Awards will be given to the top fundraising individuals and teams in each division.

Afterwards, climbers are encouraged to enjoy refreshments at the Celebration Reception.

Registration fees and climb details can be found at www.climbthecarew.org; or call (513) 985-3990 for more information.

Join the American Lung Association and experience the climb of your life!