Cherry Hill Firefighters Climb the Tower

The challenge ahead

On March 24th, 2012 the Cherry Hill Fire Department once again participated the Fight for Air Climb. This event benefits the American Lung Association and is a 50 story stair climb at Three Logan Square in Philadelphia. The members participated in two separate climbs and despite the low team turnout were still able to raise just over $1000.

The first climb was in regular workout clothes and was a race between other First Responders (Police Officers, Firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians). The CHFD team took second place in this First Responders' Challenge finishing just behind the Philadelphia Fire Department - Team 1.

During the second climb the members donned full PPE including SCBA. This climb was much slower as it adds a considerable amount of more weight to each firefighter.  However, firefighters from the CHFD began arriving on the 50th floor within 15 minutes of beginning the climb.  An impressive feat for anyone carrying close to an additional 60+ lbs.

Team Cherry Hill Fire

In line to climb

FF Joe Gerace and his daughter Olivia,
the youngest climber

A view from the top overlooking the
Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Good job to Brian Appleman, Phil Cook, Joe and Olivia Gerace, Zach Houck, Tom McGovern, Rex Rostrom, and Tim and Lisa Shannon. A special congratulations to 8 year old Olivia Gerace who was the youngest of approximately 650 climbers.

Currently the ALA and the Philadelphia Climbers have raised $141,000.  You can still donate to the CHFD Team & the American Lung Association if you would like by clicking here.

A tradition of the CHFD Team -- stacking of
helmets at the finish