Indy Firefighter to Climb to Support Fellow Firefighters and First Responders

For the last 14 years, Indianapolis Firefighter Jim Campbell has climbed stairs in support of firefighters and first responders.

This year, at nearly 65-years old, Campbell isn’t slowing down and can pace many people half his age. He plans to climb Salesforce Tower on Saturday March 11 for the American Lung Association in Indiana’s Fight For Air Climb.

Campbell says lung health and lung disease issues affect every firefighter. “Firefighting often requires extreme respiratory and cardio efforts but it would be tough to do if you have a diminished or impaired lung capacity,” he said.

Campbell plans to do the climb in his firefighter gear and says he’s most looking forward to “finishing” this year. “I climb continuously, mostly in gear, for the entire duration of the event,” he said. “Fourteen times up the 47 floors is my current high. And no, I don’t have illusions at nearly 65-years-old of beating it!”

The efforts of the volunteers at the climb not only make Campbell smile, but also energize him during the event. “These are the folks that are staged to hand out water, cheer you on, offer encouragement, and help organize the event,” said Campbell.

The first wave of stair climbers begins at 7 a.m. at the 15^th Fight For Air Climb in Indianapolis on March 11.

Jim Campbell is available for interviews about the climb, and you can contact Janye Killelea at [email protected] or (312) 940-7624 for requests.

For more information on the climb, and to register, visit FightForAirClimb.org/Indianapolis.

You can find b-roll of previous indoor climbs HERE.