MIAMI, FL | February 4, 2025
During the Fight For Air Climb Miami on March 9, hundreds of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue firefighters will scale 1,700 stairs of loanDepot park to raise awareness and critical funds for people living with lung disease. Many will wear turnout gear weighing up to 70 pounds. This “Battle of the Battalions” is part of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue’s and Metro-Dade Firefighters IAFF Local 1403’s continued commitment to the South Florida community.
“Lung health and air quality have always been important for firefighters and emergency responders. Our job puts us at a higher risk of developing chronic issues and respiratory disease,” said William McAllister IV, Local 1403 union president. “Lung disease impacts hundreds of thousands of South Florida families, who are dealing with childhood asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer—just to name a few. Participating in the Climb is a way to show up for them and make a difference. We’re encouraging our community to meet us on the stairs and register today at ClimbMiami.org.”
The Fight For Air Climb Miami is sponsored by Metro-Dade Firefighters IAFF Local 1403, which has supported the event since its inception 21 years ago. The union debuted the Battle of the Battalions last year, issuing the challenge to its members to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its commitment to lung health and the community. The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue teams, which included all 14 battalions, headquarters and cadets, raised nearly $25,000 and earned the honor of being the number one fundraising firefighter team in the country.
“Metro-Dade Firefighters IAFF Local 1403 has gone above and beyond the call of duty by championing lung health in our South Florida community for more than twenty years. Last year’s success with the Battle of the Battalions would not have been possible without their steadfast support and partnership,” said Irv Rosenbaum, member of the Lung Association’s South Florida Leadership Board and executive associate dean, administration at Nova Southeastern University. “We are proud to honor Local 1403’s team for its unwavering dedication to saving lives and supporting the 3.2 million Floridians living with lung disease. Congratulations!”
Firefighters are regularly exposed to smoke, gases, chemicals and other substances that can be damaging to their lungs, putting them at an increased risk for lung disease. Lung health effects from firefighting include lingering cough, hoarseness, asthma and bronchitis. Extreme cases include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung and bronchial cancers. The Lung Association has information and resources for firefighters.
During the Fight For Air Climb Miami, IAFF Local 1403 will host the Fourth Annual Firefighter Challenge. The Challenge is a four-obstacle endurance course featuring bicycle, Keiser sled, hose drag and civilian rescue. The challenge is open to all Climb participants, including firefighters, junior cadets, explorers and civilians, who wish to test their strength and agility. The Fourth Annual Firefighter Challenge is sponsored by Economos Properties.
Join Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and hundreds of participants from across South Florida, including families, friends, and corporate teams, at the 21st annual Fight For Air Climb Miami. The Miami Climb, presented by Metro-Dade Firefighters IAFF Local 1403, will take place on Sunday, March 9 at loanDepot park—Home of the Miami Marlins. The Miami Climb is designed for every type of climber, from beginners to competitive climbers. Participants determine their pace. Form a new team, join an existing team or register as an individual climber. Registration is $35, with a $100 fundraising minimum. For more information, visit ClimbMiami.org.
Thank you to Metro-Dade Firefighters IAFF Local 1403 for serving as the Presenting Sponsor for the Fight For Air Climb Miami. Thank you to our local sponsors, including Memorial Cancer Institute, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Economos Properties, Wilen Group, Alhambra Orchestra, NSU Florida, Vogelzang Law, Northstar Financial Planners, and Enterprise Mobility Foundation. Thank you to our national corporate team partner, Kindred Hospitals.
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The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events.
For more information, contact:
Victoria O'Neill
(312) 273-5890
[email protected]
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