Oskaloosa Fire Takes On “Fight For Air”

The Oskaloosa Fire Department took on the “Fight for Air” Climb in downtown Des Moines. (submitted photo)

The Oskaloosa Fire Department took on the “Fight for Air” Climb in downtown Des Moines. (submitted photo)

“There’s no air in these stairwells, I can’t breathe!”

Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” was playing as we checked in for the event and threw our gear down amongst the other runners. Firefighters from all over the state were offering fist bumps and greetings. Friendly insults were passed back and forth between the Firefighter division and the Law Enforcement division. I was just hoping I didn’t cramp up.

On April 8th, 2018 eight individuals representing the Oskaloosa Fire Department completed the “Fight for Air” Climb in downtown Des Moines. The climb is a fundraising event benefiting the American Lung Association. Participants climb 85 stories for a total of 1796 steps.

The Oskaloosa Fire Team was represented by Captain Dan Hoy, Firefighter Renee Edgar, Firefighter Valinn McReynolds, Firefighter Dustin Hook, Firefighter Brandon Dizon, Firefighter Alyssa Phillips, Regina Hoy, and Summer Brice. Each member had to raise at least $100 to be able to experience this suffer-fest.

The event is spread over four buildings in Des Moines and is the equivalent of climbing to the top of the Principal building. Firefighters climb in full turnout gear, including air-pack, which weighs around 50 pounds.

We tackled the first building while bystanders cheered and kids gave high fives. Fifteen floors done, I should have trained harder. A quick breather at the top then back down on the elevator. Walking through the skywalk to get to the next building is my favorite part (except for the finish). The volunteers, spectators, and people who already finished are all there to see the firefighters and police officers and offer encouragement. It’s a pretty cool feeling.

Second building, twenty-two floors. Am I going to be able to finish? There’s no air in these stairwells, I can’t breathe. This must be what it feels like for someone with lung problems. There it is, that’s the reason we are climbing. Some people feel this way after just one flight of stairs. Keep moving.

A short break again and I feel like I’m hitting my stride. Halfway done. You got this. Third building, sixteen floors, this isn’t so bad.

Then the last building comes up and smacks you in the face. Thirty-two floors, 671 steps. I have to tell myself to slow down, take it one step at a time. Before you know it we’re halfway up. Just get to the twenty-second floor, now twenty-sixth. I can hear the beep of the timing chip sensor at the top, but it sure doesn’t feel like I’m getting any closer to it. Finally, I’m the last guy on our team to cross the line. I wanted to make sure everyone else finished, and every one of them did.

Posted by on Apr 11 2018. Filed under Local News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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