Trio steps up to stair-climb challenge

SANDPOINT — Local firefighters have one big obstacle in their fight against leukemia and lymphoma: the second tallest building west of the Mississippi.

Clint Frank, Britain Whitley and Allo Pucci of the Sandpoint Fire Department are once again participating in the Seattle Stair Climb, the largest individual firefighter stair climb in the U.S. Last year, 1,500 firefighters from 247 different departments climbed the 69 flights of stairs in the 788-foot Columbia Center, earning a record-setting $780,000 for  the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Event officials say that the 2011 stair climb, scheduled for March 6, will eclipse the previous year’s numbers in every respect.

To participate, firefighters must pay a $52.50 entry fee as well as raise at least $75 per team member. Frank, Whitley and Pucci have already exceeded those minimum requirements but aim to ultimately raise $1,000 for the event.

But fundraising isn’t the only item on the three-man team’s list of preparations.

“We’ve been training for the past couple months both on and off duty,” Frank said. “The stair climb is pretty intense, because you’re in full PPE — personal protective equipment — and on oxygen the entire time.”

Those 65 pounds of fire-resistant jackets, pants, gear and oxygen tanks make for a physically demanding race up the Columbia Center’s 1,311 steps. Participants are also required to replace their oxygen bottle at the 40th floor with a full tank, ensuring that the equipment remains a burden.

Water and rest stations set up every 10 floors to provide some relief, but participants can’t linger long if they want to remain competitive. Average completion of the event usually sits between 20 and 30 minutes, but top competitors can clear the tower in 11 minutes or less. Nevertheless, the Sandpoint Fire Department team is committed to bringing their best game to the event.

“In the past, we’ve aimed to place in the top 50 teams,” Frank said. “This year, our goal is to place in the top 100. We’re getting older, so we’re trying to keep realistic.”

Of course, Sandpoint isn’t exactly bristling with 70-story skyscrapers ripe for training potential. To compensate, the team logs their exercise hours at the department’s weight room and the Sandpoint West Athletic Club, where the stair machines prove particularly handy. The training process is one of gradual progression, adding on gear until the participants are conditioned to the added heat and weight.

“I feel like we’re pretty well prepared for the event,” Frank said. “We’ve been training hard.”

Meanwhile, the trio is also working to secure their charitable contribution to the event. They plan to set up a table at Safeway on Feb. 18 to secure donations. Residents interested in supporting a good cause can follow the link posted at www.sandpointfire.com to donate directly. Internet-wary individuals can also drop off a contribution at the fire department.