A team of Willingboro firefighters helped raise money for Lung Disease research by participating in the American Lung Association's "Fight For Air Climb" fundraising event. This event was held to help raise money for the association's various community programs and research. This year's event was held on Saturday, March 25th at Three Logan Square on Arch Street in Philadelphia.

Each participant in the event had to climb the stair tower of this 50 story skyscraper. Once they have reached the top they had climbed 1,088 steps. While most participants of the climb were in normal exercise clothing and sneakers, Willingboro's firefighters were in full protective equipment. Needless to say the wearing of this protective gear further physically challenge these firefighters.

The team of Willingboro firefighters consists of Mike Centrone, Ron Priest, and Kevin Barger. Firefighter Bryan Riley was scheduled to participate in the climb, but due to injury, he was unable to participate. He did however attend the event to support the team, and did continue his fundraising efforts. This year the team set a fundraising goal of $500.00, and raised almost $1,000.00. The team finished as the top fundraisers for first responders, and each team member finished the climb in under 17 minutes.

For more information on the stair climb you can log on to the Willingboro Fire Department's team page by clicking on the hyperlink listed below.

The Willingboro Fire Department team would like to thank Chief of Department Anthony Burnett and the Township of Willingboro for supporting their fundraising efforts.