Heeding the Call: Area Firefighters Unite to Raise Awareness of Lung Disease at Jacksonville Fight For Air Climb

On Saturday, March 22, around 50 firefighters from five departments across North Florida and South Georgia will join the American Lung Association to raise awareness and critical funds for people living with lung disease. They will scale 37 stories of Bank of America Tower as part of the Jacksonville Fight For Air Climb, presented by Alive Credit Union.

“The mission of the American Lung Association hits home with firefighters and first responders. Unhealthy air is an occupational hazard, and we are at a higher risk of developing chronic respiratory issues and lung disease,” said Jeremy LaTraverse, Jacksonville Fight For Air Climb event chair and Firefighter/EMT. “I’m so proud of my brothers and sisters for heeding the call and using our collective power to advocate for lung health.”

Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and St. Johns County Fire Rescue are longtime Climb supporters and have had the largest teams. They are rallying their members to join in this year.

“The American Lung Association hosts nearly 40 Fight For Air Climbs around the country, and as JFRD firefighters, we’re proud to step up for our home city’s Climb,” said Paul Thornton of Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and team captain. “It’s an extension of our commitment to serving our community.”

The event also offers the opportunity for friendly competition. Each team is competing for Fastest Firefighter Team and Highest Fundraising Firefighter Team. There is also recognition for Fastest Firefighter.

“The firefighting community is like one large family. We have a shared duty to protect our communities, and in a crisis, we’ll always jump right in to help,” said John Belli of St. John’s County Fire Rescue and team captain. “Stair climbing comes with the trade, and we’re a competitive bunch. Bragging rights for the year is always nice, but supporting the 3.2 million Floridians living with lung disease is why we do what we do.”

“While climbing is par for the course for firefighters, anyone can participate in the Jacksonville Climb—you choose your pace,” said LaTraverse. “We’re encouraging the community to join us on the stairs on March 22!”

Join these everyday heroes and hundreds of participants at the 17th annual Jacksonville Fight For Air Climb at the Bank of America Tower. For more information, visit ClimbJax.org.

The American Lung Association has continued admiration for all our local firefighters and emergency responders and is thankful for their continued support of the Fight For Air Climb. Information and resources for firefighters to safeguard their lung health is available here.