Local firefighters take on 2025 Seattle stairclimb

With warm weather approaching, a crew of Sandpoint, Selkirk and Northside Fire responders tested their readiness in a unique way — by ascending 69 floors of Seattle’s Columbia Center skyscraper for the March 9 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Firefighter Stairclimb. 

The crew placed No. 53 out of 270 teams in the 788-vertical-feet challenge. The annual contest requires each participant to raise at least $300 for charity and complete the climb wearing a full set of equipment and using a self-contained breathing apparatus. 

“It’s very physically demanding,” said Tennille Toussaint, Captain with Sandpoint Fire Department. “The weight is probably about 60 pounds of gear.” 

Together, the eight local firefighters vastly exceeded the minimum donation by raising a combined $8,800 that will go toward efforts to cure blood cancer. 

Individuals affected by leukemia and lymphoma were honored during the competition, and a group of former cancer patients completed the climb as part of a survivor battalion. 

“It's an emotional, impactful event,” Toussaint said. 

Outside of the physical challenge, the event gives firefighters from across the U.S. an opportunity to meet and interact. For the Sandpoint, Selkirk and Northside crew, the trip west gave local firefighters a chance to build bonds and forge strong relationships that will enhance their ability to perform a critical role in the community. 

“It’s good team building for our department,” Toussaint said. “The camaraderie is cool.”

    A team of Sandpoint, Selkirk and Northside Fire personnel placed No. 53 out of 270 in the March 9 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Firefighter Stairclimb. Pictured from left are Tennille Toussaint, Connor Robinson, Carson Nicholas, Connor Nelson, Solan Wolf, Nick Krom, Carson Brintle and Claira Cave.