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Monday, March 6, 2006
Firefighters make hot and heavy climb for a cause
As firefighters trooped out of the Columbia Center's stairwell Sunday, sweat dripping from their brows, oxygen tanks beeping, cheers and applause filled the air.
"Are you OK?" volunteers asked as they removed masks and helmets.
 | ||
 | Meryl Schenker / P-I | |
| Mercer Island firefighter Curt Groscost rests after racing up 69 flights of stairs at Columbia Center. | ||
More than 1,000 participants were lined up to take part in the 15th annual Scott Firefighter Stairclimb, each engaged in a personal competition with 69 grueling flights of stairs and 70 pounds of gear.
The event, which organizers say is the largest of its kind, raises money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society; last year, firefighters raised $215,000.
Seattle Fire Battalion Chief James Hilliard made the climb in 14 minutes and 48 seconds.
As he climbed, he focused on maintaining a good breathing rhythm and remaining patient.
"It's hot and heavy inside that gear," he said. "You're struggling by the time you get to the top, no matter what shape you're in."
 | ||
| Meryl Schenker / P-I | |
| Everett firefighter Gregg Goodman is helped into the cool-down room after the Scott Firefighter Stairclimb. | ||
Hilliard intends to climb each year for the rest of his career.
"I'm a chief. I'm trying to lead by example."
Full results can be viewed at www.lls.org/wa/firefighter. And if the climb sounds appealing, information on a public event scheduled for March 19 can be found at www.lls.org/wa/bigclimb
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