Mt. Baldy Fire Department to Climb in Honor of Local Fire Department Cancer Survivor

Due to occupational exposures, firefighters have a 100% higher risk of developing cancer. On Sunday March 9th, a team of four firefighters from Mt. Baldy Fire Station 200 will be participating in the 23rd annual Scott Firefighter Stairclimb in Seattle, Washington. This is a benefit for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society that raised $1.44 million dollars last year for blood-cancer research and patient services. It is an event that is attended by 1,500 firefighters from nearly 300 fire departments from around the world. The team of four will climb 69 floors in the Columbia Center Building in downtown Seattle. This is the 2nd tallest building west of the Mississippi. Oh wait, did I mention that they will be doing this in full turnouts and wearing a SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus). All of this gear weighs close to 75 lbs! This year they will climb to honor two local fire department members that have courageously battled cancer and survived! They are climbing in honor of San Bernardino County Fire Captain Andy Shipway and Mt. baldy Fire Department Dispatcher Kyri Fitzsimmons. Despite advancements made in safety clothing and equipment, the cancer rate alone among firefighters has more than doubled in the last three decades. If you are interested in making a donation in support of this cause, visit www.llswa.org.