By Firefighter Joel Johnsrud
On March 9, 2019 the Sheboygan Fire Department participated in the American Lung Association’s Fight For Air Climb at the US Bank in Milwaukee. The American Lung Association is the leading organization dedicated to saving lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through education, advocacy, and research. It is a non-profit organization working to defeat lung cancer, improve the air we breathe, reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families, eliminate tobacco use, and eliminate tobacco-related diseases. The Sheboygan Fire Department team participated in the Team Firefighter Challenge, which consisted of climbing 47 floors, or 1,034 stairs, in full fire turnout gear including self-contained breathing apparatus, weighing a total of 60 pounds. The team took first place overall competing again 23 teams from fire departments across the state. This is the third year in a row the team has taken first place.
Members of the team include Efrem Capetillo, Jestin Demerath, William Cherek, Tyler Schmitt, Jordan Juday, Adam Grandlic, Roy Brion, Justin Langdon, and Joel Johnsrud. The members are all dedicated to first, raising money for the American Lung Association and second, training to make a successful climb. This year the team raised just over $1000 and is hoping to increase that number each year. The team would like to thank the community and all who donated to the American Lung Association. If you are interested in still donating to the team please click HERE and thank you in advance!