Gladstone Fire Department Featured in Lung Association’s 2022 Firefighter Calendar

Firefighters Basil Brown, Preston Hoffa and Alex Wilson from Gladstone Fire Department turned up the heat during the American Lung Association in Kansas & Greater Kansas City’s Fight For Air Climb for six consecutive years and in total raised $6,019. Now, they are all being honored as top supporters nationwide for their heroic efforts to help eliminate lung disease.

The Lung Association launched its 2022 Fight For Air Climb Firefighter Calendar to honor local heroes and support its vision of a world free of lung disease. This is the second annual calendar recognizing the Climbs’ top supporters who participate in an annual event held in over 40 cities across the country.

“It means a lot to me and my fellow firefighters in Gladstone Fire Department to support the Fight For Air Climb event since we get to raise awareness and money to help end lung disease,” Basil Brown said. “Firefighters suffer from this terrible disease because they are constantly exposed to gases, chemicals and smoke while on duty. I’m thankful that the Lung Association’s calendar funds efforts to improve lung health for all firefighters.”

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, allergies, and in more extreme cases, may be diagnosed with lung or bronchial cancer.

“Firefighters like Basil, Preston and Alex are not only out there saving lives every day, they fundraise and participate in events like our Fight For Air Climb in their free time,” said Linda Crider, executive director of the Lung Association. “We are amazed by their daily sacrifice and are honored that these firefighters, as well as so many other local heroes, participate in our event.”
    
The 2022 calendar features photos of our top fundraising firefighters and firefighter teams at their local Fight For Air Climbs. It also includes fire safety tips, statistics on how fires affect our lung health and tips for firefighters’ local Fight For Air Climb. All proceeds will support the Lung Association’s mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research.

The Fight For Air Climb Firefighter Calendar can be purchased at Lung.org/Calendar. 

To schedule a media interview with Brown, Hoffa and Wilson contact Dana Kauffman at the Lung Association at 312-940-7624 or [email protected].