Cochrane Fire Team One is readying for the annual Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge in Calgary this spring, with the addition of two surprise guest to their team this May 5.
Mayor Jeff Genung announced at Monday night council that he and CAO Dave Devana have begun training with the local firefighters twice weekly, as they aim to keep up with the fit first responders, who pack on some 60 pounds of gear and a tank to climb the 1204 steps of the Bow Tower – one of the tallest buildings in Western Canada.
All funds go to Wellspring Calgary, delivering supportive care to those living with cancer and their supportive families since 2007.
“I’m going to be challenging other mayors – if you’re not going to climb the stairs with me, then pony up,” laughed Genung, whose goal is $15,000 – an ambitious fundraising target that would put him in the next race category, pitting him against Calgary Fire Chief Steve Dongworth.
The 13-time Ironman mayor said even though he’s no stranger to endurance challenges, it’s a different league being weighted down by heavy firefighter gear.
“I’m training hard ... it’s a cause near and dear to my heart,” said Genung, who was also excited about the opportunity to take part in a team building exercise with members of the fire department.
How are Genung and Devana shaping up so far? Not bad. But the gear will be the true test.
“I have a ton of faith in them,” said senior firefighter Chris Chyka, who is so far joined by Cpt. Derek Orr and firefighters Dale Krawec, Alex Vauge and Cody Esposito.
The key to training is a steady pace – and three extra laps to ready for the 55-storey tower.
“Typically in January we start running in shorts and T-shirts. In February, we get people in gear ... after that we throw the tank on – and we’re fully geared up at that point,” explained Chyka.
As part of their rigorous training regime, the team runs up and down the 4.5-storey hose station 17 times to match the 55-storey Bow Tower, and throw in an extra three laps for good measure.
“We run it 20 times to give ourselves the little push at the end,” revealed Chyka.
Each year the team fundraises with a goal of around $3,000.
With their team rising from four to hopefully eight this year as well as Genung’s ambitious efforts, they are hopeful to surpass that goal by a few flights.
Learn more or donate at calgarystairclimb.com.
