Firefighters from Flin Flon, Creighton and Denare Beach are headed west to help fight cancer.
The fifth-annual Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge raises money for firefighters and citizens living with cancer. Participants will climb the steps of Calgary’s Bow Tower, one of Western Canada’s tallest buildings, wearing full equipment in a timed competition. The event will take place May 5.
Flin Flon Fire Department Chief Chad Cooper will be joined by firefighters Aaron Simon, James Dauk and Nathan Elliott, as the quartet are currently getting in shape for the event.
Cooper said the team has been training by running stairs at the fire station and the Whitney Forum in full firefighting gear, which can weigh up to 30 kilograms.
“We are proud of our members taking part and giving their best effort,” said Cooper. “[The event] not only raises money for cancer research, but also helps spotlight the link between firefighting and cancer, and the presumptive cancers affecting so many firefighters.”
According to the event’s website, 17 different forms of cancer are classified as occupational hazards for firefighters. Cooper said cancer is the highest cause of death among firefighters.
“The unburned smoke or carbons and contaminants absorbs into our gear and if we don’t get that washed or professionally cleaned, the contaminants will absorb into our skin and lungs, which is what gives us cancer,” he said.
Flin Flon isn’t the only northern crew participating in this year’s event. Creighton firefighters Marshall Manns, Cory Slater and Kirk Trachsel are taking part alongside Denare Beach firefighter Brent Stomp.
Manns, who will compete in the 50-and-over category, said this will be his third year raising funds for Creighton. He enjoys the comradery he sees from firefighters coming together.
“The first year I went, everyone kept to themselves,” said Manns. “Now, I’ve met firefighters from across the country and even the US.”
Manns said the event shows a real diverse glimpse at the culture of firefighting in Canada.
While spirits are high, the challenge before all the participants is fierce.
“The building humbles you pretty quick. I see how old I am,” Manns said with a laugh.
The event is the highest elevation firefighter stairclimb in the world, consisting of 230 metres and 1,204 steps within 55 flights of stairs, all well over a kilometre above sea level.
To donate or learn more about the event, visit www.calgarystairclimb.com.
