Firefighter Stair Climb brings out Boeing's finest

Some people climb stairs to get from one floor to another or for exercise. If faced with the option of climbing 69 flights of stairs or taking an elevator, for most, the choice would be clearly obvious.

However, if you are a Boeing firefighter with an opportunity to help the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society the choice is also clear -- start climbing those 1,311 steps wearing 56 pounds of full firefighting gear and breathing apparatus.

Five of Boeing's finest firefighters recently gathered at the second tallest building west of the Mississippi, Seattle's Bank of America Tower, to take part in the climb. Participating on behalf of the Boeing Fire Department in Renton, Wash., from Shift A was Miranda Detore. Representing Shift B was Greg Strome and Laurence Opiniano. Representing Shift C was Crew Chief Gordon Wallace and Nancy Lougheed.

"This year it was especially important for us to participate in memory of Chris Trumpf, our friend and firefighter who died of leukemia last year," Wallace said. "I thought of Chris every step I took up those stairs and I am proud of all our Boeing firefighters for participating for this cause so we can find a cure."

This event, the largest of its kind in the country, is sponsored by Scott Health and Safety all proceeds of the event will support blood center research and patient services programs.

This year, 909 firefighters (up from 837 last year) successfully completed the Scott Firefighter Stair Climb.

"I'm really proud of our firefighters for participating in such a worthwhile cause and for donating their time," said Boeing Fire Department Shift C Capt. Rick Dedrich. "They've raised more than $2,140 in donations so far for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society."