Each year, the American Lung Association holds a fund raising race at the US Bank Building in Milwaukee. In an effort to further raise awareness of the event and generate donations, the Firefighter Challenge was created to encourage firefighters to help in the fund raising efforts. This year's challenge is being held on March 19th.

Five-person teams of firefighters, dressed in full gear and wearing self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), climb the building's 47 stories as quickly as possible. The winning team is determined by averaging the climb time of five team members. This year, the Fitchburg Fire Department is sending two teams to compete in the stair climb challenge.

Last year the Fitchburg Fire Department's Stair Climb Team placed 2nd overall, with the average team member climbing 47 story's in full protective gear (roughly 60 lbs) in 10 min 13 sec. Our team also boasted the fastest individual climber in the state, climbing 1,034 steps in 8 min 58 seconds. Our efforts helped raise nearly $1,000 for the American Lung Association! This year we are not only looking to improve our average time, take over the top spot as a team, and again have the fastest individual time, but we hope to raise at least $1,500 with your help and support.

We ask for your help in two ways:

1. If you embrace the Facebook way of life, please "LIKE" our page, and help spread the word about the event. Our page can be found here
2. If you are able to support us with a donation of any amount, it would be greatly appreciated. Donations are easily made through the American Lung Association website. Choose to search by team and type in "Fitchburg". Then choose which Fitchburg team you wish to received credit for your donation (ultimately, donations to both are pooled together and the entire amount is credited to the City of Fitchburg Fire Department). You may choose one of the predetermined levels of financial support or enter whatever amount you wish. Your generous support is appreciated.

City of Fitchburg Stair Climb Team

Tony Gallagher
Brian Gutweiler
Ryan Griessmeyer
Troy Heimsoth
David Zuehlke
Nick Mittelstedt
Adam Wunsch
Roger Hicks
Nick Galassini
Paul Bowers