Local Firefighter Honored Nationally by American Lung Association

Today, the American Lung Association launched its 2023 Fight For Air Climb Firefighter Calendar, which honors first responders from across the United States, including Jeremy LaTraverse from Kingsland Fire Rescue in Georgia.

Every year, thousands of firefighters race up hundreds of stairs in full firefighter gear weighing over 40 pounds during American Lung Association Fight For Air Climbs in more than 40 cities nationwide. LaTraverse of Kingsland, Georgia was chosen as one of the American Lung Association’s top Fight For Air Climb firefighters nationwide. He has participated in the Fight For Air Climb Jacksonville for six years and has raised more than $22,000 for the Lung Association. LaTraverse has been included in the calendar twice and this year his team received the additional recognition of being the 12th highest fundraising firefighter team in the country for 2022.

“Congrats to LaTraverse for being honored in the 2023 Fight For Air Climb Firefighter Calendar! LaTraverse is not only out there saving lives every day, but also training and fundraising for events like the Fight For Air Climb in his free time. He’s such a wonderful supporter and a true inspiration,” said Cindy Springer, senior manager of development for the American Lung Association in Jacksonville. “We would like to invite other firefighters and first responders in the Jacksonville area to join our Fight For Air Climb on March 18, 2023 to help support our vision of a world free of lung disease.”

“I not only enjoy participating in the Fight For Air Climb, but I know I’m making a difference,” shares LaTraverse. “Each year, firefighters just like me and participants of all ages are raising money to help end lung disease. Every second of every day you have the chance to do something special and give back and it’s up to you to make those seconds count.”

The mission of the American Lung Association hits close to home with firefighters. Respiratory diseases remain a significant health issue for firefighters and emergency responders. Firefighters are at a higher risk to develop chronic issues, including lingering cough, hoarseness, asthma, and allergies and in more extreme cases, may be diagnosed with lung or bronchial cancer.

The 2023 calendar also includes fire safety tips, statistics on how fires affect our lung health and tips for your Fight For Air Climb. All proceeds will support the American Lung Association’s mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research.

To purchase the Fight For Air Climb Firefighter Calendar, go to Lung.org/calendar. To get involved in the local Fight For Air Climb scheduled for March 18 at the Bank of America Tower, visit FightForAirClimb.org/Jacksonville.

Media Resources:

• Fight For Air Climb B-Roll is available here: Fight For Air Climb Media B-Roll 2021002.mp4 - Google Drive
  
• American Lung Association Logos are available here: Media | American Lung Association

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About the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.

American Lung Association • 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150 • Chicago, IL 60601

1331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Ste. 1425 North • Washington, D.C. 20004

1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) Lung.org