Donations Needed for Brighton Firefighters in Fight for Air Climb Detroit

On Sunday, 12 Brighton Firefighters will climb 70 stories up Michigan's tallest building, the Renaissance Center, to participate in the third annual Fight for Air Climb Firefighter Challenge - and they will do it in full turnout gear.

This is Brighton's second year participating in the event. These local first responders will climb 1,035 stairs wearing boots, turnout coat and pants, helmet, gloves, SCBA harness and air cylinder, which equals about 70 extra pounds of weight.

The Fight for Air Climb event helps to increase awareness and raise money for the American Lung Association's fight against lung disease. Money fundraised will be put towards lung health research, education, and advocacy.

"It's a good way for us to raise money for education and knowledge about lung cancer and lung disease," Brighton Firefighter and Team Captain Derrick Bunge said. "Firefighters are affected with lung problems and breathing problems more than anyone else just due to the environment we're put in. It's also kind of a tribute to those that fell in 9/11."

This year, Brighton will compete against 46 other fire departments from around Michigan, including Howell and the Hartland Area Fire Authority. 

Bunge said there's a friendly competition amongst the three departments to see who can raise the most money. Currently Hartland and Howell are in the lead with $2,480 and $2,410 raised, respectively. 

Brighton has currently raised $2,166.50 of the department's $4,000 goal. Last year, the team raised more than $3,500. 

Bunge said he's looking to get some last-minute donations to push Brighton in the lead. 

To help out our local team of firefighters and donate money, visit the Brighton Fire Department's fundraising page on the Fight for Air Climb website.