Local Hero Honored in Lung Association’s 2022 Firefighter Calendar

Retired firefighter Dale Emmerich from Middleton, WI has raced up hundreds of stairs in full firefighter gear weighing over 40 pounds during the American Lung Association’s Fight For Air Climb in neighboring Chicago a total of four times. Now, he is being honored as a leading supporter nationwide for his commitment to end lung disease.

The Lung Association launched its 2022 Fight For Air Climb Firefighter Calendar to honor local heroes and support its vision of a world free of lung disease. This is the second annual calendar recognizing the Climbs’ top supporters who participate in an annual event held in over 40 cities nationwide.

The mission of the Lung Association hits close to home with firefighters. Respiratory diseases remain a significant health issue for firefighters and emergency responders. Firefighters are at a higher risk to develop chronic issues, including lingering cough, hoarseness, asthma, allergies, and in more extreme cases, may be diagnosed with lung or bronchial cancer.

“Firefighters like Dale are not only out there saving lives every day, they fundraise and participate in events like our Fight For Air Climb in their free time,” said Megan Cordova, executive director of the Lung Association. “We are amazed by their daily sacrifice and are honored that Dale, as well as so many other local heroes, participate in our event.”
    
The 2022 calendar features photos of our top fundraising firefighters and firefighter teams at their local Fight For Air Climbs. It also includes fire safety tips, statistics on how fires affect our lung health and tips for firefighters’ local Fight For Air Climb. All proceeds will support the Lung Association’s mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research.

The Fight For Air Climb Firefighter Calendar can be purchased at Lung.org/Calendar. 

To schedule a media interview with Emmerich, contact Dana Kauffman at the Lung Association at 312-940-7624 or Dana.Kauffman@Lung.org.