Connect With Your Community!
Connect With Your Community!
Pictured is the Three Forks team at last year's event at the Columbia Center in Seattle. Courtesy photo
The Columbia Center in Seattle is the fourth largest skyscraper west of the Mississippi. Courtesy photo
Pictured is Three Forks Firefighter Rachel Follett at the 2024 Stairclimb. Courtesy photo
On March 9, eight Three Forks Firefighters will ascend 69 floors and 1,356 steps in full turnout gear weighing over 60 pounds and wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) at the Columbia Center in downtown Seattle to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Chase Moore, Joshua Brigham, Cheryl Carrasco, Dave Whitesitt, Trevor Aune, Rachel Follett, Nathan Baker, and Charles Eastty will all participate in the 34th annual Scott LLS Firefighter Stairclimb at the fourth-largest skyscraper west of the Mississippi River.
"This climb is the real deal, and when almost half of our fire department can climb 70 floors in full gear, and they volunteer to do just that, you can rest assured that we strive every day to provide the best fire and rescue services to our community," Eastty said.
According to Eastty, the department has been participating in the event for nine years, and it remains a highlight of their annual calendar.
"Completing the climb is both a physical triumph and an emotional moment. It's a grueling challenge, but the sense of accomplishment at the finish line is unparalleled. More importantly, this event brings attention to the vital work of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, a cause that hits close to home for so many people who know someone suffering from blood cancer," Eastty said.
As far as training, Eastty noted it varies by individual, but each team member trains on the department's Stairclimb machine to give them an idea of what they are up against.
"I try to do a full gear, 70-floor climb once a week leading up to climb and more as we closer as my schedule allows," he said.
With the event nearing, Eastty said the Stairclimb has been a primary fundraiser and event for the department and shows the team's commitment to supporting this cause that fights blood cancer.
"Participating in this event requires diligence and dedication to making a difference beyond our day-to-day responsibilities as volunteer firefighters. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has been a leading force in advancing blood cancer research and treatments. Thanks to events like this, LLS has achieved incredible milestones, including doubling, tripling, and even quadrupling survival rates for certain blood cancers. Many therapies funded by LLS are now being used to treat other cancers and non-cancerous diseases, proving that our collective efforts truly save lives," he said.
As of press time, the eight firefighters have raised $1,478 for the trip, just under 50% of their goal of $3,000.Eastty said the best way to donate is online at https://events.lls.org/pages/wa/firefighterstairclimb25/ThreeForksFireDepartment.
The department is also planning a pint-night event at Sawdust and Steel. A few other fundraisers are in the works and will be announced soon on the team's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tfstairclimb.
"As the event approaches, we encourage everyone in Three Forks and beyond to support our firefighters as they head to Seattle in March. Whether through donations, attending fundraisers, or simply following us on social media, every bit of support helps," said Eastty. "Together, we can make a difference in the fight against blood cancers and cheer on our local firefighters as they conquer the Columbia Tower once again."
