Gloucester Firefighters Raise Over $2,300 for the American Lung Association by Racing Up 82 Flights of Stairs

GLOUCESTER — Fire Chief Eric Smith is pleased to report that members of the Gloucester Fire Department and Gloucester Firefighters Local 762 raised over $2,300 for the American Lung Association by racing up 82 flights of stairs in Boston recently.

On Saturday, March 29, nine Gloucester Firefighters were among those who raced up the 41 stories of One Boston Place in Boston as part of the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb. 

Gloucester Firefighters finished fifth out of 16 teams who participated in the event, running up 82-flights of stairs in just over 27 minutes. 

The climb is a friendly competition between firefighters from various departments who raise a total of at least $100 in pledges each in exchange for running up the steps of One Boston Place in their turnout gear. 

The Gloucester Fire Department participated in the Fight for Air Climb to support those with lung disease who have to fight for every breath. Nearly 39 percent of people living in the United States live in places with unhealthy levels of air pollution. All funds raised during the climb will go to the American Lung Association to fund research on treatments and cures for those who suffer from lung disease. 

Gloucester Firefighters have made a tradition of participating in the climb for about a decade now. The climb is just one of several fundraisers that members participate in during the year. 

Gloucester Firefighters and members of Gloucester Firefighters Local 762 who participated in the climb are Captains Chad Mota, Nick Ouellette and Kevin Gargan, and Firefighters Charlie Scola, Jon Sanger, Jack Brancaleone, Clay Whitley, Tyler Philbrook, and Sam LoGrande. 

“I’m extremely proud of the work that our Gloucester Firefighters do to support good causes in our community. This is just one of many examples of their charitable work,” said Chief Smith. “Hats off to the nine Gloucester Firefighters who faced a difficult challenge to raise money for a great cause.”

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