On Sunday, nine Orion Township Firefighters put on their gear and donned their air pack and ascended the stair wells of the Renaissance Center in Detroit.
It was in support of the American Lung Association and it’s called the Fight For Air Climb. Thousands of people and hundreds of firefighters crowded the concourse of the RenCen waiting for their opportunity to climb the 71 flights of stairs equalling just under 1,100 stairs, simulating the many flights firefighters climbed after the 9-11 attacks.
The Climb is the one signature fundraising events for the ALA. It’s held nationwide in prominent skyscrapers and it raises money in support of research, patient education and advocacy efforts concerning respiratory diseases.
This year the Orion Township Firefighters were able to raise over $7,000 for the Air Climb and team had several notable supporters. Lockhart’s BBQ donated $1,000, the Deporre Family Foundation, which is connected to the Harvest Bread Company, donated another $1,000.
The Orion Fire Fighters Association donated $1,200 and Larry Mullins donated $900. Overall, 33 people donated to this year’s team.
Firefighter Brendan MacDonald had the fastest time of the team, climbing 71 stories in just 14:23 with Firefighter Derek Welch just behind him at 15:58. The rest of the team included Firefighters Jenner Mains, Andrew Martinez, Tom King, Bob Hudak, Dustin Emelian, and Lieutenant Chris Hagan.