Crime & Safety

Local Firefighters, Police Climb Stairs in "Fight for Air" to Benefit Lung Association

It might be the most unique fundraiser for the American Lung Association.

Last year, Bristol Fire's Scott Illingworth made his way up 29 flights of stairs at the Omni Providence Hotel in Providence fully loaded in his firefighter's uniform, laden with equipment. There was no fire.

But it was all for good reason: raising money to research, treat and someday find a cure for lung disease.

Illingworth, along with firefighters, police officers and others from across Rhode Island participated in the Fight for Air Climb because as Illingsworth says, "everyone deserves to breathe fresh air."
And they're doing it again this year.

Bristol Fire and Rescue is one of the top fundraising teams this year, with a tally of $3,520 on Thursday. 

Think participating is a cakewalk? Consider one professional firefighter took more than 10 minutes to climb all 29 floors. And watch the included video that Illingsworth took with a head-mounted camera last year. You'll get the picture. And it's a glimpse at what firefighters in urban environments must be ready for. Picture that stairwell shrouded in smoke, suffocating heat, people yelling for help.

Click HERE for more information about the event, which takes place Feb. 22 and starts with climber check-ins at 8 a.m.

Other departments from around the state are participating. Here's a brief list of just some:

  • Central Coventry Fire Department
  • Barrington Police Department
  • Cranston Fire Department
  • Cumberland Fire Department
  • Dunn's Corners Fire Department
  • Narragansett Firefighters
  • Middletown Fire Department
  • Portsmouth Fire Department
  • Providence Fire Department
  • Providence Police
  • Rhode Island State Police
  • Tiverton Firefighters
  • Warren Fire Department
  • Woonsocket Firefighters


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