Over 100 firefighters from across the state of Georgia went beyond the call of duty to support the American Lung Association (ALA) by participating in its 2012 Fight For Air Climb Atlanta event on April 28^th.

This year, the Gwinnett Firefighters again lead the way in several categories, taking top honors as the Highest Firefighter Team Fundraisers, Fastest Firefighter Team for the 5^th straight year, Most Firefighter Team Participants and Fastest Individual Firefighter. They will be honored and recognized at the August 16^th Firefighters Stats meeting at Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Headquarters at 9:00a.m. Chief Bill Myers will be attending the presentation at 408 Hurricane Shoals Rd., NE in Lawrenceville.

The Fight for Air Climb Atlanta, now in its eighth year, was a vertical climb that challenged 430 participants to climb up 45 floors of the One Ninety One Peachtree Tower building in downtown Atlanta.  It was a professionally timed and ranked event that gave participants the opportunity to compete against the clock and conquer the fourth tallest building in the city.

The Firefighters’ Challenge called for climbing over 1,000 steps in full firefighter turnout gear, which adds an additional 40 pounds to the firefighter. 

Todd Liscomb, ALA Development Manager, recognizes their accomplishments.  “Gwinnett Firefighters did a great job this year with 24 participants raising a total of $3,675,” Liscomb said, “in addition, they were the fastest and had the most participants of any firefighter team.” 

“We’re greatly appreciative of their efforts at the Fight for Air Climb event.  Their competitiveness, desire to fundraise and enthusiasm for this event is unprecedented,” he added, “they get better every year.”

Gwinnett County Fire team member and fastest overall firefighter finisher Jeff Dercola comes back to the event every year.  “The competition and the camaraderie that we get with other departments is something that goes into it,” Dercola said.  “but that’s all really just fun. The main purpose is just to raise money.” He added.

To this day, smoking still remains the leading cause of preventable death(s) in the United States. An event such as the Fight For Air Climb Atlanta not only raises funds, but also creates awareness for those who could be susceptible to future lung issues.

To learn more about the Fight for Air Climb and the American Lung Association in Georgia, please call (770) 434-5864 or go to www.lungga.org.