Detroit Firefighter Named Mr. July in National Calendar

John Farah, firefighter from the Sterling Heights Firefighters Local 1557, shares the honor of Mr. July in the American Lung Association’s 2023 Fight For Air Climb Firefighter Calendar, which honors first responders from across the United States.

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.

Farah of Sterling Heights was chosen as one of the Lung Association’s top Fight For Air Climb firefighters nationwide. This is his ninth year participating and this year alone raised $3,150 this year.

“We’re so proud of and excited for John for being honored in the 2023 Fight For Air Climb Firefighter Calendar. He truly deserves this recognition. He not only out there saving lives every day, but he also trains and fundraises for events like the Fight For Air Climb in his free time,” said Maureen Rovas, Executive Director of the Lung Association in Michigan. “We invite other firefighters and first responders in the Detroit area and across Michigan to join our Fight For Air Climb to help support our vision of a world free of lung disease.”

The mission of the 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, visit Lung.org/calendar. To learn more about the upcoming 2023 Fight For Air Climb at Comerica Park on May 21, visit FightForAirClimb.org/Detroit.

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