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Middletown Firefighter Honored in 2023 American Lung Association Firefighter Calendar

Jacob Francis selected as one of top firefighter supporters nationwide

PROVIDENCE, RI | November 30, 2022

Today, the American Lung Association launched its 2023 Fight For Air Climb Firefighter Calendar, which honors first responders from across the United States, Jacob Francis, a firefighter with the Middletown Fire Department.

Every year, thousands of firefighters race up hundreds of stairs in full firefighter gear weighing over 40 pounds during American Lung Association Fight For Air Climbs in more than 40 cities nationwide. Francis was chosen as one of the American Lung Association’s top Fight For Air Climb firefighters nationwide.

“Congrats to Jacob for being honored in the 2023 Fight For Air Climb Firefighter Calendar! The Middletown Fire Department is not only out there saving lives every day, but they also train and fundraise for events like the Fight For Air Climb in their free time,” said Daniel Bowler, Executive Director of the Lung Association in Rhode Island. “We would like to invite other firefighters and first responders in Rhode Island to join our Fight For Air Climb to help support our vision of a world free of lung disease.”

Francis said, “I climb to represent my department and all my brothers and sisters who have sworn to protect the communities we serve. Clean & breathable air is essential in our profession and supporting a cause that provides initiative in providing clean air to our communities and people in need is a win, win situation!”

The mission of the American 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, and allergies and in more extreme cases, may be diagnosed with lung or bronchial cancer.
    
The 2023 calendar also includes fire safety tips, statistics on how fires affect our lung health and tips for your Fight For Air Climb. All proceeds will support the American Lung Association’s mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research.

To purchase the Fight For Air Climb Firefighter Calendar, go to Lung.org/calendar. To get involved in the Fight For Air Climb Providence on April 22, 2023, visit FightForAirClimb.org/Providence  
 

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About the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events.

For more information, contact:

Jennifer Solomon
(516) 680-8927
jennifer.solomon@lung.org

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